What happened to the My Lai soldiers?
The My Lai massacre was one of the most horrific incidents of violence committed against unarmed civilians during the Vietnam War. A company of American soldiers brutally killed most of the people—women, children and old men—in the village of My Lai on March 16, 1968.
Why did the massacre at My Lai happen?
Massacre at My Lai. Shortly before 7:30 am on March 16, 1968, Son My village was shelled by U.S. artillery. The preparatory barrage was intended to clear a landing area for Charlie Company’s helicopters, but its actual effect was to force those civilians who had begun leaving the area back to My Lai in search of cover.
What is the lesson of My Lai?
But My Lai transcends history. Its lessons are universal. Historian Roger Spiller declared that “the most frightening lesson” he has learned from military history is that “ordinary” people are capable of heinous crimes in the right circumstances.
Who took the photos of the My Lai massacre?
Ron Haeberle
Fifty years ago on November 20, 1969, the Cleveland Plain Dealer published the only photographs in existence of the Mỹ Lai Massacre in Vietnam. Ron Haeberle made the photographs while working as a U.S. Army photographer on March 16, 1968, one week before he was scheduled to return stateside.
Why Is My Lai significant?
The massacre at My Lai held importance for a number of reasons. First, upon learning of the event in 1969, the American anti-Vietnam War movement ballooned with new members and support. The movement had struggled to remain united during 1968, but the My Lai Massacre served as a rallying point for antiwar opposition.
What did the My Lai Massacre symbolize to Americans?
Americans who opposed the war in Vietnam believed the massacre represented everything wrong with US military involvement and undercut any claim to moral high ground. It also served as a wake-up call as to what a seemingly typical company was capable of in a war scenario.
What year was the My Lai massacre?
March 16, 1968
Mỹ Lai massacre/Start dates
On March 16, 1968 the angry and frustrated men of Charlie Company, 11th Brigade, Americal Division entered the Vietnamese village of My Lai. “This is what you’ve been waiting for — search and destroy — and you’ve got it,” said their superior officers.
What happened at My Lai quizlet?
A company of American troops had killed some 350 South Vietnamese civilians. Army got word that the Viet Cong guerrillas had taken control of Son My and Calley sent the unit to stop the Viet Cong. Army commanders advised soldiers that anyone in Son My could be Viet Cong and ordered them to destroy the village.