My Lai Massacre Exposé

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The My Lai Massacre Exposé refers to the revelation of atrocities committed by U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War. On March 16, 1968, American troops from Charlie Company killed over 500 Vietnamese civilians in the village of My Lai. The victims included women, children, and elderly, with many being brutally murdered, raped, or mutilated. The incident was initially covered up by military officials, who reported it as a successful operation against the Viet Cong. The truth about My Lai was eventually exposed by investigative journalist Seymour Hersh in November 1969, using information from Ron Ridenhour and photographs by Ron Haeberle. This exposé sparked widespread outrage and anti-war sentiment in the U.S. It led to a full-scale investigation and the court-martial of Lt. William Calley, who was convicted and sentenced for his role in the massacre. The event remains a significant symbol of the Vietnam War's darker aspects, highlighting issues of military conduct and accountability.