But aren't we the good guys?

More on the Vietnam horrors (if you can stand more)...

[T]he Toledo Blade reports that its "review of thousands of classified Army documents, National Archives records, and radio logs reveals [the "Tiger Force"] ... carried out the longest series of atrocities in the Vietnam War [from May and November, 1967]...". Unfortunately, this seven month atrocity-spree is not nearly the longest on record. Nor is it even the longest string of atrocities by one unit within its service branch. According to formerly classified Army documents, an investigation disclosed that from at least March 1968 through October 1969, "Vietnamese [civilian] detainees were subjected to maltreatment" by no less than twenty-three separate interrogators of the 172d Military Intelligence (MI) Detachment. The inquiry found that, in addition to using "electrical shock by means of a field telephone," an all too commonly used method of torture by Americans during the war, MI personnel also struck detainees with their fists, sticks and boards and employed a form of water torture which impaired prisoners' ability to breathe.

Of course you know that we don't do those kinds of things any more. And they were soundly punished when they did happen.

According to investigation documents, Bumgarner and a subordinate rounded up three civilians found working in a rice paddy, marched them to a secluded area and murdered them. "The Bummer" then arranged the bodies on the ground with their heads together and a grenade was exploded next to them in an attempt to cover-up their crime. Assorted weapons were then planted near the mutilated corpses to make them appear to have been enemy troops.

And you were thinking that evidence always clearly points to the perpetrators. (See my previous posts today on this subject here and here.)

"The Bummer" was charged with premeditated murder and tried by general court martial. He was convicted only of manslaughter and his punishment consisted merely of a demotion in rank and a fine of $97 a month for six months. Moreover, after six months, Bumgarner promptly re-enlisted in the Army. His first and only choice of assignments – Vietnam. Records indicate he got his wish!

The Nick Turse article explains that, while the further evidence of atrocities in Viet Nam is now coming out, it is still being portrayed as acts of lone maniacs, and as relatively rare. That is not true. And the article lists many examples.

I have a friend who was Special Forces in Viet Nam, and who is still living an attempt at atonement for "following orders". I don't think he's ever going to feel like he has gotten his "soul clean" as he says. And if you didn't read Stan Goff's open letter to Iraqi GI's, do.

....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.