Internet Exercise 2

My Lai

First read this overview of the My Lai massacre:

Next, read Colonel Oran Henderson's April 24, 1968, report on the My Lai incident:

Then read District Chief Tran Ngoc Tan's April l1, 1968, report of the My Lai massacre:

Next, read Private Ronald Ridenhour's letter to Congress:

Finally, read Robert Maples testimony during Lieutenant William Calley's court martial trial:


1		According to Colonel Oran Henderson, how many civilians died during the March 16, 1968, operation at My Lai? According to District Chief Tran Ngoc Tan's report, how many civilians died in the incident? Why do you believe their accounts are so different?



2		Whose assessment of the events of March 16, 1968—Colonel Henderson's or Private Ridenhour's—do you find more accurate? Why?



3		Do you believe that Lieutenant William Calley bore sole responsibility for the slaughter that took place at My Lai? Explain.



4		How might the nature of the Vietnam War have helped lead American soldiers to massacre civilians at My Lai? According to Private Ridenhour's letter, what specific, earlier incidents in and near "Pinkville" spurred Charlie Company to slaughter the inhabitants of My Lai?



5		Do you believe that My Lai was an isolated incident or do you think that such atrocities were typical of the Vietnam War? Explain.



6		If you had been a member of Charlie Company present during the My Lai massacre, what would you have done?

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