The Untold Heroism of Charlie Company: The War in Vietnam

"War does not determine who is right - only who is left." These words by Bertrand Russell hold particularly true when discussing one of the most notorious and controversial periods in American history – the Vietnam War. Among the many companies that fought valiantly in Vietnam, Charlie Company stands out for its resilience, bravery, and determination.

The Birth of Charlie Company

Charlie Company originated in 1966 as part of the 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11th Brigade of the 23rd (Americal) Infantry Division. Comprised mainly of young men who had been drafted or enlisted, Charlie Company became a family bound by shared experiences and forged in the crucible of war.

Deploying to Vietnam

In March 1967, Charlie Company was deployed to Vietnam. Their mission, like many other infantry units, was to engage in jungle warfare and support South Vietnamese troops in their fight against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. The dense forests, swamps, and unrelenting heat tested the physical and mental limits of the soldiers.

The Boys of ’67: Charlie Company’s War in Vietnam

by Martin W. Bowman(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15225 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	449 pages

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The Battle of My Lai

One tragic event that forever changed the course of the war and highlighted the heroism of Charlie Company was the infamous Battle of My Lai. On March 16, 1968, Charlie Company, under the command of Lieutenant William Calley, was ordered to conduct a search and destroy mission in the village of My Lai.

What was supposed to be an intelligence-gathering operation turned into a horrific massacre of unarmed Vietnamese civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. In the face of this atrocity, the actions of several brave soldiers from Charlie Company demonstrated their unwavering moral compass.

One of the heroes, Hugh Thompson, a helicopter pilot, witnessed the indiscriminate killing from above. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Thompson landed his helicopter between the advancing soldiers and the remaining civilians, ordering his crew to shoot any American who continued the slaughter. He then airlifted a dozen Vietnamese survivors to safety.

The Aftermath and Impact

The events at My Lai shocked the nation and the world when they were revealed in November 1969 by investigative journalist Seymour Hersh. The courageous actions of Thompson and other Charlie Company soldiers who refused to participate in the massacre brought the spotlight on the horrors of war and the moral dilemmas faced by servicemen.

Click here to read more about the aftermath of the Battle of My Lai and its impact on Charlie Company and the Vietnam War.

The Legacy of Charlie Company

The legacy of Charlie Company extends beyond the Battle of My Lai. Despite the horrors they witnessed and the trauma they endured, many members displayed remarkable resilience and continued fighting with honor.

The story of Charlie Company continues with their involvement in major military operations, fierce battles, and acts of bravery. Their collective strength and determination is a testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Remembering the Heroes

Decades have passed since the war ended, but the brave soldiers of Charlie Company deserve to be remembered for their sacrifices, their acts of valor, and their unwavering commitment to their fellow soldiers. It is essential that their stories continue to be shared and celebrated to ensure that the lessons and the legacy of Charlie Company are never forgotten.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with the reasons for the Vietnam War, reflecting on the untold heroism of Charlie Company reminds us of the price paid by those who serve their country, the complexities of armed conflicts, and the importance of preserving humanity even in times of war.

Charlie Company may never have received the recognition it deserves, but within their ranks, unsung heroes walked among one another, proving that even in the darkest of times, there is a glimmer of light that can inspire generations to come.

Rest in peace, brave soldiers of Charlie Company. Your acts of heroism will forever echo through the annals of history.

The Boys of ’67: Charlie Company’s War in Vietnam

by Martin W. Bowman(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15225 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	449 pages

FREE

In the spring of 1966, while the war in Vietnam was still popular, the US military decided to reactivate the 9th Infantry Division as part of the military build-up. Across the nation, farm boys from the Midwest, surfers from California and city-slickers from Cleveland opened their mail to find greetings from Uncle Sam. Most American soldiers of the Vietnam era trickled into the war zone as individual replacements for men who had become casualties or had rotated home. Charlie Company was different as part of the only division raised, drafted and trained for service. From draft to the battlefields of South Vietnam, this is the unvarnished truth from the fear of death to the chaos of battle, told almost entirely through the recollections of the men themselves. This is their story, the story of young draftees who had done everything that their nation had asked of them and had received so little in return – lost faces of a distant war.