My Lai Massacre Flashcards
When was the My Lai Massacre?
16th March 1968
When did the public find out about My Lai?
1969
Who was in charge of the My Lai Massacre?
Lieutenant Calley
What did Calley order?
For 3 platoons to destroy the village of My Lai
How many were killed in the massacre?
500 in 2 hours
What did Calley refer to the incident as in court?
“No big deal”
What was Calley’s sentence?
He was sentenced to life but was released early, even after it was reduced to 10 years
What were the public opinions towards the My Lai Massacre?
Most agreed with Nixon that it was “a sickening tragedy”
Some opposed the exposure as it was just another part of the war
Who were Varnado Simpson and Thomas Partsch?
Two soldiers involved in My Lai
Gave statements as part of the criminal investigation
Simpson committed suicide due to the guilt
Who was attacked at My Lai?
Mainly women, children, and the elderly
What made My Lai such a sickening event?
Witnesses reported that victims had been mutilated
Many of the victims were very young children
