American Experience: My Lai

The incisive "My Lai" recalls the massacre of some 500 unarmed men, women and children by U.S. troops in 1968 Vietnam, detailing the events that led to the tragedy and the barbarity of the slaughter itself. "Once the first civilian was killed it was too late, period," reflects radio operator Fred Widmer, one of the soldiers involved. Also related is the story of chopper pilot Hugh Thompson, who helped some villagers escape and reported the incident to a superior, who promptly covered it up.