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Hugh Thompson – The true hero of My Lai
Episode 3176 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Hugh Thompson – the true hero of the My Lai Massacre. The featured story is from Wikipedia.
Hugh Clowers Thompson Jr. stands as one of the greatest moral heroes of the Vietnam War. Born in Atlanta in 1943, Thompson served as a U.S. Army warrant officer and helicopter pilot with the 23rd Infantry Division. On March 16, 1968, while flying an observation mission over the village of Sơn Mỹ, he and his crew—Lawrence Colburn and Glenn Andreotta—witnessed American soldiers killing unarmed civilians. Refusing to look away, Thompson chose conscience over compliance.
As the massacre unfolded, Thompson repeatedly radioed urgent warnings to headquarters and physically intervened on the ground. He landed his small OH-23 helicopter between fleeing villagers and advancing U.S. troops, ordering his own gunners to protect civilians—even if that meant firing on fellow Americans. He confronted officers who claimed they were “just following orders,” insisting that the victims were human beings. Through courage and quick thinking, Thompson and his crew evacuated civilians by air and rescued a young boy from a ditch filled with bodies. His actions directly halted further killing and led commanders to stop the operation.
Thompson’s integrity did not end that day. He reported the crimes, testified during investigations, and helped expose the truth of Mỹ Lai, despite being vilified, threatened, and ostracized. The personal cost was immense, including trauma and public hostility, yet he never recanted and continued serving his country until retirement.
Decades later, justice and honor finally caught up. In 1998, Thompson, Colburn, and Andreotta were awarded the Soldier’s Medal for extraordinary bravery. Thompson later returned to Vietnam to meet survivors, turning tragedy into reconciliation. Remembered at his death in 2006 with full military honors, Hugh Thompson’s legacy endures as a powerful reminder that true greatness in war is defined by humanity, courage, and moral truth.
Listen to Episode 3176 and discover more about Hugh Thompson – the true hero of the My Lai Massacre.
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