On March 16, 1968, US troops massacred over 500 Vietnamese civilians in the village of My Lai during a search for enemy fighters. Troops rounded up and killed civilians, including women, children, and animals, through shooting, grenades, and bayonets. The massacre was successfully covered up for 18 months until reports surfaced in late 1969. Twenty-six soldiers were later charged with war crimes for their role, though only Lieutenant William Calley Jr. was convicted of murder for directly killing over 100 civilians himself. The massacre reduced US support for the Vietnam War and prompted widespread international outrage.

1. What was the My Lai Massacre? By: Danny Dillon

2. Overview My Lai is a small South Vietnamese community Massacre occurred March 16, 1968 In all, there were about 500 casualties 26 US soldiers later tried for war crimes

3. What Happened? US Troops were in search of enemy b/c there had been many US casualties in and around My Lai Soldiers rounded up hundreds of civilians Many raped, beaten, tortured before shot to death or injured

4. Casualties Over 500 Vietnamese casualties Many were women, children and even animals Many were “suspected” as enemy fighters by US soldiers Killed by firearms, grenades, bayonets

5. Cover-up and Investigation Successfully covered up for nearly 18 months Although massacre occurred March 16, 1968, reports didn’t surface until late 1969 First reports claimed that there had been 128 Vietcong casualties and 22 civilian casualties in a “fierce fire fight” American public learned of massacre 2 months after US soldiers were tried in September 1969

6. US Troops While on trial, many claimed that they were ordered to kill civilians 26 charged with war crimes but only one convicted of murder (Calley, Jr.) Lieutenant Robert Calley, Jr. charged with several counts of premeditated murder Supposedly killed over 100 Vietnamese by himself Calley, Jr. sentenced to life in prison before his sentence was repeatedly reduced Only served four and a half months in prison

7. Outcomes Over 500 Vietnamese Casualties 26 US soldier convicted of war crimes, one sentenced to prison Massacre prompted widespread outrage around the world Reduced US support of Vietnam War

8. Bibliographic Reference Gilbert, Marc Jason. &quot;My Lai Massacre.&quot; 2008. Glenbrook South High School, Glenview, IL. 24 Oct. 2008 http://www.worldbookonline.com Joseph, William A. &quot;The My Lai Massacre&quot; Vietnam War Atrocities 11 Nov. 2003. Wellesley College. 26 Oct 2008 <http://www.wellesley.edu>. “ 'Blood and fire' of My Lai” CNN World News Online 16 Mar. 1998. Gale Group Database. Glenbrook South High School, Glenview, IL. 27 Oct. 2009. <http://www.cnn.com>