Talk:Hugh Thompson Jr.

Unhappy congress man

I came across this sentence from the link attached and I couldn't help wishing this information and the congress guys name was a part of wiki article. Of cause, its going to generate a lot of friction, something I am getting tired of "But Mr Thompson was shunned for years by fellow soldiers, received death threats, and was once told by a congressman that he was the only American who should be punished over My Lai." [1]

If we found a reference that included the Congressman's name, I'd include it...but without, we can't really verify or put it in context. Sherurcij ^{(talk) (Terrorist Wikiproject)} 05:52, 7 January 2006 (UTC)

Found this: according to The Forgotten Hero of My Lai, the Hugh Thompson Story, a book published in 1999 by Trent Angers, powerful members of Congress, including the chairmen of the House and Senate armed services committees, tried to sabotage the prosecution of those responsible, and instead sought to have Thompson and his crew court-martialed for threatening the lives of fellow soldiers. No name, though. I imagine we could find out who was hard of those committees during the trials. Jokestress 19:53, 7 January 2006 (UTC)

Peace

Rest in Peace Hugh Thompson Jr. If all Americans were like you I would want them to run the world.

R.I.P to a brave man. Blanchard 01:45, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

A true hero indeed. Naerhu 09:52, 6 October 2006 (UTC)

Respect due - we could have done with Mr Thompson when some of our soldiers beat up some cleaners over a period of 36 hours and killed a hotel receptionist recently. Unfortunately the real men of the armed forces won't get the promotions and cushy jobs. Stevebritgimp 00:40, 16 March 2007 (UTC)

A Model for All of Us

I am a German teacher. For years I have discussed Hugh Thompson's behavior with students, trying to make them realize that he is an example to all of us.

In 2003 I wrote an email to Hugh, expressing my admiration, and I was happy to receive an answer from him, in which he wrote: "...I thank you for your kind words. Hearing from people that think we did right is very rewarding to me. ..."

I was very sad when I accidentally learned at Wikipedia that he died in January.

Bernie 15:59, 13 April 2006 (UTC)

Source of quotation

There is an exchange between Thompson and Lt. Brooks in the article:

Thompson: Let's get these people out of this bunker and get 'em out of here.
Brooks: We'll get 'em out with hand grenades.

Thompson: I can do better than that. Keep your people in place. My guns are on you.

Where is this from, though? There is no source given, and it's hard to judge its accuracy—was it recorded on tape? Simply an amalgamation of differing accounts? The article doesn’t say. Wiki Wikardo 04:50, 26 May 2006 (UTC)

In addition to that, I believe some sort of an explanation should be added. This quote is just stuck in the middle of the paragraph with nothing referring to it.say1988 22:12, 31 May 2006 (UTC)

Lawrence Colburn verified the quote[2], I'll add context in the article. Sherurcij ^{(talk) (Terrorist Wikiproject)} 23:03, 6 June 2006 (UTC)

Medina

The article contains the sentence:

Returning to the helicopter however, they saw Captain Ernest Medina run forward and begin shooting the wounded who had been marked

Now I am not that familiar with the massacre, but from what I have seen was that Calley was the senior officer that participated in the massacre, whic would eliminate Medina. This is what causes my confusion with this statement.say1988 22:24, 31 May 2006 (UTC)

Calley was indeed the one considered "in charge" of the massacre, but they mention having seen Medina "blowing away" a woman as they landed[3], not Calley. Sherurcij ^{(talk) (Terrorist Wikiproject)} 23:05, 6 June 2006 (UTC)

credit where due

This man chose humanity over patritotism and chauvinism. Credit to him is way overdue. As an Asian-American and minority, this guy is a real hero to me and many others. In the midst of the insanity we call war, he was able to keep his dedication and committment to humanity. May god bless him and his family. Forever he will not be forgotten nor many like him. Thank you for making this article, .....Thank you very much. 00:39, 8 December 2006 (UTC)~~Collective Conscious.

Military ethics

When I was a soldier at Fort Campbell, KY (1986-1989) I recall reading a 'training circular' about military ethics which included the story of Warrant Officer Thompson's actions. It made quite an impression on me.

I think he took quite a risk, doing what he did; the other Americans might have shot him, you know.

I also heard that despite making a few radio calls he otherwise did little or nothing to report the incident. I mean, of course he said it happened, but I mean reporting it as a crime. If I recall correctly what I read 20 years ago, he waited until he was out of the army before notifying his congressman, out of fear of retribution.

Can we dig into this? --Uncle Ed 22:36, 20 October 2007 (UTC)

That's incorrect. He immediately reported the massacre through the proper channels. Senior Americal commanders investigated the incident, but covered it up.Antarctica moon (talk) 20:46, 31 January 2008 (UTC)

On this 40th year anniversary date of the My Lai massacre, I find myself posting a question that has often lingered in my mind: How was it that a subordinate warrant officer to the fully commissioned ranks possessed the ethical wherewithal, courage and general fortitude to stand up and risk his own life, and well being long after the fact, to do what was right in what we generally are told is the "fog" of war? I presume several of the lieutenants, captains and senior officers were predominantly graduates of West Point or university ROTC programs.

What I feel needs to be explored is what in Hugh Thompson's character compelled him to absolute selflessness at a moment it counted the most? What do our military leaders need to be taught in leadership training - whether it is an enlisted person attending instruction, or an officer candidate/cadet/midshipman enrolled in an ethics class - in a formal setting to ensure they comport themselves to the highest standards and demand the same of all under their charge?

I wish I could contribute somewhat to providing answers, but that is why I have posted here. I feel there cannot be more at stake for the United States as there is now, and ensuring the leaders directing our "boots on the ground" are guided by a rigorous system of values - perhaps stemming from, but not limited to, a higher divine authority. Wiki wrangler (talk) 17:10, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

WikiProject class rating

This article was automatically assessed because at least one WikiProject had rated the article as start, and the rating on other projects was brought up to start class. BetacommandBot 04:04, 9 November 2007 (UTC)