Why is the My Lai massacre important?
The My Lai massacre was one of the most horrific incidents of violence committed against unarmed civilians during the Vietnam War. The brutality of the My Lai killings and the official cover-up fueled anti-war sentiment and further divided the United States over the Vietnam War.
What happened at My Lai?
My Lai Massacre, also called Pinkville Massacre, mass killing of as many as 500 unarmed villagers by U.S. soldiers in the hamlet of My Lai on March 16, 1968, during the Vietnam War.
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.
Why is the My Lai Massacre important?
What was the significance of the my Lai Massacre?
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. More than 500 people were slaughtered in the My Lai massacre,…
Where was my Lai located in the Vietnam War?
The small village of My Lai is located in Quang Ngai province, which was believed to be a stronghold of the communist National Liberation Front (NLF) or Viet Cong (VC) during the Vietnam War.
Who was the pilot who stopped the my Lai Massacre?
Hugh Thompson, the helicopter pilot who stopped the My Lai massacre, later told the news program “60 Minutes” that he was ostracized and received death threats upon his return from Vietnam. But in 1998, Thompson attended a memorial service at My Lai on the 30th anniversary of the massacre.
Where did the 48th Batallion take refuge in my Lai?
Intelligence suggested that the 48th Batallion had taken refuge in the My Lai area (though in reality, that unit was in the western Quang Ngai highlands, more than 40 miles [65 km] away).