Some soldiers balked at Calley’s command, but within seconds the massacre had begun, with Calley himself shooting numerous men, women and children. Despite finding only a few weapons, Calley ordered his men to begin shooting the villagers. The villagers were rounded up into groups as the soldiers inspected their huts. Instead, they came across a quiet village of primarily women, children and older men preparing their breakfast rice. When they arrived shortly after dawn, the soldiers-led by Lieutenant William Calley-found no Viet Cong. William CalleyĪrmy commanders had advised the soldiers of Charlie Company that all who were found in the Son My area could be considered VC or active VC sympathizers, and ordered them to destroy the village. Charlie Company had lost some 28 of its members to death or injuries, and was down to just over 100 men. ![]() ![]() soldiers on the ground was dwindling, especially in the wake of the North Vietnamese-led Tet Offensive, which was launched in January 1968. Charlie Company was sent to the area on March 16 for a search-and-destroy mission.Īt the time, morale among U.S. ![]() In March 1968, Charlie Company-part of the Americal Division’s 11th Infantry Brigade-received word that VC guerrillas had taken control of the neighboring village of Son My.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |