Celebrating Independence Day with the true story of an American hero.
On March 16, 1968, US Army helicopter pilot Hugh Thompson Jr. landed his aircraft in the path of an advancing American unit, breaking their pursuit.
Realizing what was happening, Thompson ordered his crew, Glenn Andreotta and Lawrence Colburn, to be ready to open fire on the American soldiers if they continued their attack.
By that point in time, many unarmed Vietnamese civilians — including women, children, and the elderly — had already been raped and murdered by American forces in what would later become known as the My Lai massacre. Thompson and his crew intervened, creating a barrier and helping evacuate survivors to safety.
Their actions saved lives and helped bring awareness to the atrocities that occurred that day.
In the years following, Thompson faced criticism and hostility from many within the military and the public for speaking out, and for testifying in court against the perpetrators of the massacre. He was very much abused by his own fellow American people for the crime of saving innocent lives.
He also suffered from PTSD because of the event.
In 1998, he and his crew received medals for their bravery on that horrible day in 1968. This was after the death of Andreotta, who was awarded the medal posthumously, and never got to see when this act of heroism was recognized for what it was.
Hugh Thompson Jr. died in 2006.
Rest in peace, Hugh Thompson Jr. and Glenn Andreotta — and thank you, Lawrence Colburn — American heroes who chose humanity when it mattered most.
Realizing what was happening, Thompson ordered his crew, Glenn Andreotta and Lawrence Colburn, to be ready to open fire on the American soldiers if they continued their attack.
By that point in time, many unarmed Vietnamese civilians — including women, children, and the elderly — had already been raped and murdered by American forces in what would later become known as the My Lai massacre. Thompson and his crew intervened, creating a barrier and helping evacuate survivors to safety.
Their actions saved lives and helped bring awareness to the atrocities that occurred that day.
In the years following, Thompson faced criticism and hostility from many within the military and the public for speaking out, and for testifying in court against the perpetrators of the massacre. He was very much abused by his own fellow American people for the crime of saving innocent lives.
He also suffered from PTSD because of the event.
In 1998, he and his crew received medals for their bravery on that horrible day in 1968. This was after the death of Andreotta, who was awarded the medal posthumously, and never got to see when this act of heroism was recognized for what it was.
Hugh Thompson Jr. died in 2006.
Rest in peace, Hugh Thompson Jr. and Glenn Andreotta — and thank you, Lawrence Colburn — American heroes who chose humanity when it mattered most.
