My Lai

The mass killing of Vietnamese male elders, women, children, and babies by American troops in 1968 shocked the nation, accelerated the disillusionment with the Vietnam War, and increased concern over what the long and controversial conflict was doing to the American character. Written and directed by Barak Goodman, this PBS-aired American Experience documentary dissects events leading up to the massacre, the subsequent cover-up, and the twisted path of justice after the story hit the news. Members of Charlie Company who took part in the operation in South Vietnam expected a routine mission in which they would be hailed as liberators; instead, they faced booby traps, mines, and snipers. As casualties and local hostility mounted, attitudes hardened into beliefs that “everybody is an enemy” and that it was necessary to “throw the rule book away.” My Lai depicts company commander Ernest Medina as gung-ho, and soon-to-be-infamous platoon leader William Calley as both insecure and excessively eager to please higher-ups. Historians and soldiers (who exhibit both regret and defiance) recall a growing air of unreality, anger, and frustration, compounded by a demand for higher body counts, which eventually led to further atrocities. Although the cover-up was extensive, only a few military figures were ultimately held accountable for over 500 civilian deaths. While the film features graphic images of war carnage and death, this is highly recommended for high school audiences, as well as academic and public libraries. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)