Where is Lieutenant William Calley Now?
Lieutenant William Calley, a former US Army officer, was convicted of murdering 22 Vietnamese civilians during the Vietnam War. His case sparked widespread outrage and debate about the morality of war. In this article, we will explore the life of Lieutenant Calley, his crimes, and what he is doing today.
Early Life and Military Career
William Laws Calley Jr. was born on January 8, 1943, in Miami, Florida. He grew up in a middle-class family and graduated from high school in 1961. Calley enlisted in the US Army in 1962 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1965. He served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, initially as a platoon leader in the 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade.
The My Lai Massacre
On March 16, 1968, Calley’s unit, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, was tasked with conducting a search and destroy mission in the village of My Lai, South Vietnam. The mission was intended to flush out North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC) fighters from the area. However, what happened next was a brutal and heinous act of violence that would shock the world.
The Massacre
As Charlie Company entered the village, they began shooting and killing civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. The soldiers also burned homes, destroyed crops, and looted property. The massacre lasted for several hours, during which time Calley’s unit killed an estimated 347-504 Vietnamese civilians. The exact number of deaths is still disputed to this day.
Consequences and Trial
Calley was arrested and charged with premeditated murder for his role in the massacre. His trial began in 1970, and he was found guilty of murdering 22 Vietnamese civilians. He was sentenced to life in prison, but his sentence was later reduced to 20 years. Calley served three and a half years in prison before being released in 1974.
Life After Prison
After his release from prison, Calley struggled to find work due to the public outcry and backlash against him. He worked as a salesman and later as a real estate agent. In the 1980s, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he lived under an assumed name.
Where is Lieutenant William Calley Now?
As of 2023, Lieutenant William Calley is still alive, although his current whereabouts are not publicly disclosed. He has lived under an assumed name and has kept a low profile since his release from prison. Calley has never publicly expressed remorse for his actions, and his case remains a controversial and divisive topic.
Public Opinion and Debate
The My Lai Massacre and Calley’s trial sparked widespread debate about the morality of war and the treatment of prisoners of war. Many argued that Calley was a scapegoat for the actions of his superiors and that he was being unfairly punished for following orders. Others believed that he was guilty of a heinous crime and that he deserved to spend the rest of his life in prison.
Comparison to Other War Crimes
The My Lai Massacre is often compared to other war crimes committed during the Vietnam War, such as the Tiger Force atrocities and the use of Agent Orange. These events highlight the complexity and brutality of war, and the need for accountability and justice.
Table: War Crimes Committed During the Vietnam War
| Event | Date | Location | Number of Victims |
|---|---|---|---|
| My Lai Massacre | March 16, 1968 | My Lai, South Vietnam | 347-504 |
| Tiger Force Atrocities | 1967-1968 | Quang Ngai Province, South Vietnam | 100-200 |
| Use of Agent Orange | 1961-1971 | Various locations, South Vietnam | Unknown |
Conclusion
The case of Lieutenant William Calley is a complex and controversial topic that continues to spark debate and outrage to this day. While Calley’s actions were brutal and inhumane, his trial and conviction were also marked by controversy and controversy. As we reflect on the My Lai Massacre and the war crimes committed during the Vietnam War, we must remember the importance of accountability, justice, and compassion.
Additional Resources
- "The My Lai Massacre" by Richard Hammer (1970)
- "The Trial of Lieutenant Calley" by Jonathan Schell (1970)
- "My Lai: An American Atrocity" by Howard Zinn (1987)
- "The Vietnam War: A Concise History" by George C. Herring (2014)
Note: The exact number of victims in the My Lai Massacre is still disputed, with estimates ranging from 347 to 504.
