03-31-2003, 02:40 PM
(This post was last modified: 03-31-2003, 02:51 PM by Occhidiangela.)
"Sorry to correct you but as far as I know soldiers were spat at because things got out of hand in Vietnam (for example GIs killing women and children in Mi-Lei witnessed by US-Reporter). To make this clear, I think it was wrong to blame every soldier for those who freaked out, but on the other hand understandable due to the fact that the ones resposible were not prosecuted."
Captain Ernest Medina and Lt Calley were both tried by Courts Martial. Medina was acquitted (He was Calley's company commander) and Calley was punished.
"Not Prosecuted?"
My Lai Court Martial Link You might find that of interest.
Or is your contention that the punishment did not go far enough up the chain of command? Many folks I have talked to about this issue, who served in the Army or Marine Corps in Viet Nam, were of the opinion that the scythe did not cut far enough up the chain of command. That position may have some merit, as is the position that the 90 day wonder OCS grads who became platoon commanders were a real mixed bag.
The reason the platoon commander, Calley, was held accountable and tried was because his inability to maintain proper discipline == to condone or order the attack on villagers who were not necessarily VC == was a violation of a variety of regulations and laws. It is instructive that the Warrant Officer, the Huey pilot, who reported what he saw to Brigade Headquarters knew darned well that what was happening was wrong. What is interesting is how Medina was let go. I remember reading a great deal about this case as it was happeninng. The coverage then was a mixed bag, but the overwhelming sentiment was
"How the hell could Americans do that?"
PS: You sig, however, strikes me as Spot On! :)
Captain Ernest Medina and Lt Calley were both tried by Courts Martial. Medina was acquitted (He was Calley's company commander) and Calley was punished.
"Not Prosecuted?"
My Lai Court Martial Link You might find that of interest.
Or is your contention that the punishment did not go far enough up the chain of command? Many folks I have talked to about this issue, who served in the Army or Marine Corps in Viet Nam, were of the opinion that the scythe did not cut far enough up the chain of command. That position may have some merit, as is the position that the 90 day wonder OCS grads who became platoon commanders were a real mixed bag.
The reason the platoon commander, Calley, was held accountable and tried was because his inability to maintain proper discipline == to condone or order the attack on villagers who were not necessarily VC == was a violation of a variety of regulations and laws. It is instructive that the Warrant Officer, the Huey pilot, who reported what he saw to Brigade Headquarters knew darned well that what was happening was wrong. What is interesting is how Medina was let go. I remember reading a great deal about this case as it was happeninng. The coverage then was a mixed bag, but the overwhelming sentiment was
"How the hell could Americans do that?"
PS: You sig, however, strikes me as Spot On! :)
Cry 'Havoc' and let slip the Men 'O War!
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete