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March 8, 2018 • 2hr 21min
#10 - Anything That Moves - The My Lai Massacre (w/History on Fire)
The Martyr Made Podcast
This episode of The Martyr Made podcast, hosted by Darryl Cooper, provides an in-depth examination of the My Lai massacre that occurred on March 16, 1968 during the Vietnam War. The episode explores the events leading up to the massacre, details the horrific killings that took place that day, and analyzes how and why American soldiers could commit such atrocities against unarmed civilians. Cooper aims to understand this dark chapter of American military history by placing it in the broader context of the Cold War and the Vietnam conflict.
#10 - Anything That Moves - The My Lai Massacre (w/History on Fire)
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Key Takeaways
- On March 16, 1968, U.S. soldiers from Charlie Company massacred hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians in the village of My Lai during the Vietnam War.
- The soldiers killed men, women, children and infants, sexually assaulted women and girls, and destroyed homes and property. Estimates of those killed range from 347 to 504 civilians.
- The massacre was initially covered up by higher-ranking officers. It was exposed by investigative journalist Seymour Hersh in 1969, leading to widespread public outrage.
- Only one soldier, Lt. William Calley, was convicted of war crimes. He served only 3.5 years under house arrest before being paroled.
- The My Lai massacre is considered one of the most infamous war crimes committed by U.S. forces during the Vietnam War. It severely damaged public support for the war.
- Helicopter pilot Hugh Thompson and his crew intervened to stop the killings and rescue civilians. They are considered heroes for their actions that day.
- The podcast explores how ordinary young men could commit such atrocities, examining factors like dehumanization of the enemy, unclear rules of engagement, and a breakdown of leadership and discipline.
Introduction
This episode of The Martyr Made podcast, hosted by Darryl Cooper, provides an in-depth examination of the My Lai massacre that occurred on March 16, 1968 during the Vietnam War. The episode explores the events leading up to the massacre, details the horrific killings that took place that day, and analyzes how and why American soldiers could commit such atrocities against unarmed civilians. Cooper aims to understand this dark chapter of American military history by placing it in the broader context of the Cold War and the Vietnam conflict.
Topics Discussed
Background on Charlie Company and Arrival in Vietnam (54:01)
The episode begins by introducing Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, which arrived in Vietnam in December 1967. Key points include:
- The company was led by Captain Ernest Medina, an aggressive commander who drove his men hard
- Lt. William Calley led the 1st platoon and was seen as an ineffective leader by many
- Most soldiers were young (18-22 years old) and believed in the mission to fight communism
- For the first month, interactions with Vietnamese civilians were mostly positive
Impact of Tet Offensive and Changing Attitudes (1:02:05)
The podcast explores how the Tet Offensive in January 1968 dramatically changed the situation:
- The surprise communist attacks shook American forces and eroded trust in Vietnamese civilians
- Charlie Company began taking casualties from mines, booby traps and snipers
- Soldiers grew increasingly frustrated at not being able to engage the enemy directly
- Attitudes toward Vietnamese civilians became more hostile and suspicious
Lead-up to My Lai Operation (1:28:14)
Cooper details the briefing and mindset of the soldiers before the My Lai operation:
- Intelligence suggested 200-400 Viet Cong fighters would be in the village
- Soldiers were told it was a free-fire zone and to "kill everything that moves"
- There was pressure to move quickly and not let enemy forces escape
- Many soldiers were eager to finally engage the enemy directly
The Massacre Begins (1:36:17)
The episode provides a harrowing account of how the killings started and escalated:
- Upon entering the village, soldiers found only unarmed civilians, not enemy fighters
- Some soldiers began shooting civilians almost immediately
- A "pause" occurred where soldiers looked at each other, unsure what to do
- The killings then spiraled out of control as more soldiers joined in
Details of the Atrocities (1:44:18)
Cooper describes specific incidents of violence and cruelty, including:
- Mass executions of groups of women, children and elderly
- Sexual assaults of women and young girls
- Killing of infants and young children
- Mutilation of bodies
- Destruction of homes, food supplies and livestock
Hugh Thompson's Intervention (2:06:23)
The podcast highlights the heroic actions of helicopter pilot Hugh Thompson and his crew:
- Thompson landed his helicopter and confronted soldiers to stop the killings
- He evacuated a group of civilians to safety
- Thompson reported the massacre up the chain of command
- His actions likely saved many lives that day
Aftermath and Cover-up (2:14:24)
Cooper explores how the massacre was initially covered up:
- It was falsely reported as a successful operation killing 128 enemy combatants
- Whistleblower reports were ignored by commanders
- The truth was exposed 18 months later by journalist Seymour Hersh
- Only Lt. Calley was convicted, serving just 3.5 years under house arrest
Analysis of How It Happened (1:38:17)
The podcast examines factors that may have contributed to the atrocities:
- Dehumanization of the Vietnamese as potential enemies
- Frustration from weeks of taking casualties without engaging the enemy
- Unclear rules of engagement in a "free-fire zone"
- Breakdown of leadership and discipline
- Group psychology and diffusion of individual responsibility
Conclusion
The My Lai massacre stands as one of the most horrific war crimes committed by U.S. forces during the Vietnam War. This podcast episode provides a sobering, in-depth examination of how ordinary young American men could commit such atrocities against unarmed civilians. While not excusing their actions, Cooper attempts to understand the context and factors that led to this dark chapter in American military history.
The episode highlights how the fog of war, dehumanization of the enemy, unclear rules of engagement, and a breakdown of leadership can result in war crimes. It also emphasizes the importance of moral courage, as exemplified by Hugh Thompson and his crew who intervened to stop the killings. Ultimately, My Lai severely damaged public support for the Vietnam War and forced a national reckoning with the realities and moral complexities of the conflict.