Hugh Thompson was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. He is chiefly known for his role during the My Lai massacre, during which he was flying a reconnaissance mission. When he understood that US troopers were methodically killing the civilian population of the village of Son My, Warrant Officer Hugh Thompson landed his helicopters and evacuated survivors of the massacre.
Warrant Officer Thompson was trying to provide support for both US troops and to villagers, with the idea that US troops were here to protect the civilians. Witnessing several murders of civilians, the crew seems to have realised what their own troops were doing. At this point, they stopped trusting the safety of the villagers to the ground troops, and proceeded to the evacuation with their own means and authority.
Thompson confronted the leaders of the troops. Several sources believe he would have been prepared to open fire on the US troopers if they did not let the helicopters proceed with the evacuation (Quote: He walked back to the aircraft. He said: "I'm going to go over and get them out of the bunker myself. If the squad opens up on them, shoot 'em." And he walked away Lawrence Colburn , [1]), and covered the villagers with his own body.
The crewmembers were credited with saving at least 11 lives, yet for long after they were reviled as traitors. Exactly thirty years later, the three were awarded the Soldier's Medal, the United States Army's highest award for bravery not involving direct contact with the enemy.
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Last updated: 06-20-2005 23:40:18
