Who was to blame for the My Lai massacre?
William Calley
William Calley was the only American convicted of his role in the massacre of more than 500 innocent Vietnamese civilians in the village of My Lai during the Vietnam War.
How was the My Lai massacre cover up?
President Richard Nixon reduced Calley’s sentence to a light punishment—three years of house arrest. The My Lai massacre, the Army’s cover up, and the military courts’ abject failure to bring military leaders and GIs to justice further undermined the faith of some Americans in their political and military institutions.
What was the reason for the My Lai massacre?
The My Lai Massacre stemmed from previous events in the Vietnam War. The Tet Offensive, which occurred during the first two months of 1968, was a large military invasion of South Vietnam by North Vietnam.
Did anyone survive My Lai?
They were killed, but he survived, grazed by a bullet that left a scar on his chest. His story highlights one of the few heroic moments of the day. He was rescued by helicopter pilot Hugh Thompson and crew member Larry Coburn, who evacuated him to nearby Chu Lai.
Who was the only person convicted in the my Lai Massacre?
Of the roughly 30 people implicated, William Calley was the only one convicted of a crime. The My Lai Massacre outraged the American people and led to several military reforms and increased media transparency. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
How did the my Lai Massacre affect the Vietnam War?
The Vietnam War is a very controversial subject for many Americans. This lesson discusses the events of the My Lai Massacre, arguably one of the worst atrocities committed during the Vietnam War. Beginning in 1954, Vietnam was a divided nation. After decades of French control, the country had secured its independence.
What did Charlie Company do in my Lai?
Surprisingly, Charlie Company did not encounter any Viet Cong. Instead, most of the people living in My Lai were women, children, and old men too old to fight. On Lieutenant Calley’s orders, Charlie Company proceeded to devastate the hamlet. They set homes on fire and ruthlessly murdered the villagers.
