Lies About My Lai

After a court-martial had acquitted him of all charges related to his role in the My Lai massacre, Captain Ernest L. Medina carried out his previously announced decision to leave the Army. Said Medina: "I just feel within myself that I cannot wear the uniform with the same pride I had before." A month later, Medina, nattily turned out in a gray suit, blue shirt and wide red tie, came into the courtroom where his onetime commander, Colonel Oran K. Henderson, was on trial for covering up the tragedy at My Lai. By the time Medina had finished testifying, it seemed clear that he was better off in mufti.

Henderson had become commander of the Americal Division's llth Infantry Brigade just one day before the assault on My Lai. Two days later, after hearing reports from helicopter pilots of indiscriminate killing in the hamlet, Henderson visited Medina in the field. Medina was commander of Charlie Company and Lieut. William Galley's immediate superior. Although Medina's platoon leaders had told him that at least 106 Vietnamese had been killed, Medina told Henderson that the casualties had numbered just 20 to 28 civilians--all killed by artillery and helicopter gunship fire. Testified Medina: "I didn't tell him that I had a feeling these people had been shot by members of my command." Instead he had told Colonel Henderson that he had seen no indiscriminate shooting. Continued Medina: "I told him, 'I am the father of three children, and I would not let anything like that happen.' "

Thus it became clear that Medina had lied, first to Henderson, and later, under oath, to Army investigators. His reasons: "First, I felt it would bring disgrace to the military service. Secondly, I knew it would have repercussions involving the United States and other nations. Third, I was concerned about my family and my role as a father. And lastly, I was concerned about myself."

Before defense lawyers could interrupt, Army Prosecutor Major Carroll J. Tichenor challenged: "Do you realize you have completely disgraced and dishonored the uniform you wore?" Medina's quiet reply: "Yes, sir."

Medina's stunning admission seriously undermines the Army's case against Henderson, who is the highest-ranking officer to be brought to trial in connection with the My Lai murders. Henderson, his lawyers contended, tried to investigate the rumors of slaughter but was misled by officers under his command. Medina's testimony obviously strengthened that contention.

Since he is now a civilian, Medina is no longer answerable to the Army for perjury. By admitting that he had lied to cover up atrocities committed by the men under his command, he has added dishonor to the tragedy of My Lai.

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