My Lai: A Haunting Legacy of War’s Atrocities and the Journalistic Pursuit of Truth

The shadows of the My Lai massacre loom large even half a century later, as journalist Seymour Hersh reflects on the harrowing events that unfolded on March 16, 1968. On that day, in a brutal operation during the Vietnam War, American soldiers killed more than 500 men, women, and children in the Vietnamese village of My Lai, an atrocity that continues to haunt those who witnessed it and those who reported on it. Hersh, who was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his courageous reporting on the incident, recalls the emotional weight of the story that he brought to light. "The horror of what happened still makes me teary," he admitted during an interview with BBC Hardtalk. His journey began with a tip-off that led him to Fort Benning, Georgia, where he sought out Lieutenant William Calley, the platoon commander who was later convicted for his role in the massacre. Calley's conviction marked a rare instance of accountability in a conflict marked by widespread violence and moral ambiguity. In his investigative efforts, Hersh did not stop at Calley. He painstakingly tracked down other soldiers who were present during the massacre, delving into the terrifying details of that fateful day. "There were incidents so horrific I did not include them in my original reports," Hersh revealed, underscoring the extent of the atrocities that were committed and the ethical struggles he faced as a journalist. The decision to withhold certain details from his reporting speaks to the profound impact the events had on him and the weight of responsibility that journalists carry when confronting such gruesome realities. The My Lai massacre serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of war and the fragility of human decency in the face of conflict. As the 50th anniversary of this tragic event approaches, Hersh’s reflections offer an important perspective on the need for accountability and the role of journalism in exposing the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. To this day, the lessons from My Lai resonate in discussions about military conduct, the ethics of war, and the vital importance of a free press in holding power to account. For those who wish to delve deeper into Hersh's reflections and the broader implications of the My Lai massacre, a full interview will be available on BBC World News and related platforms, allowing new generations to confront the painful truths of history and the ongoing struggle for justice in a world still grappling with the legacy of war.