The recent passing of William Calley, the former US officer involved in the My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War, has stirred up memories of one of the worst war crimes in American military history. Calley, who led the Army platoon responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Vietnamese civilians, was sentenced to life in prison for killing 22 individuals but ultimately served only three days behind bars due to a presidential order.
The massacre, which left 504 people dead according to the Vietnamese government, shocked the public and fueled anti-war sentiments. Despite the controversy surrounding his role, Calley rarely discussed the events and refrained from engaging with historians and reporters. However, in 2009, he expressed remorse for the tragedy during a speech.
Calley’s death at the age of 80 marked the end of a tumultuous chapter in American history, leaving behind a legacy of sorrow and regret. The circumstances surrounding his passing remain undisclosed, adding a veil of mystery to his controversial life.