My Lai Massacre Flashcards
what year was My Lai?
1968, March 16th
why was My Lai invaded?
suspected Vietcong stronghold
what lead to My Lai?
Charlies company invaded My Lai on a search and destroy mission
what were Charlies company ordered to do?
expect everyone to be apart of the Vietcong or sympathisers so to burn crops and buildings
what did Charlies company soldiers face?
suffered heavy casualties from booby traps and were told to fight back
why was My Lai destroyed?
Lieutenant Calley entered My Lai but only found women and children, yet found 3 weapons so opened fire
how many civilians were killed?
504
what did the soldiers tell the public?
the mission was a success and only 20 civilians were killed in cross fire
how did the truth get exposed to the public?
In 1969, Seymour Hersh (reporter) exposed the cover up to the public
