Exemplar of true courage dies

Hugh Thompson, who landed his helicopter at My Lai between American troops and terrified villagers thus ending the massacre by our troops, has died of cancer at the age of 62. Thompson received death threats over his role in ending the massacre. Some argue he should have been court-martialed, not William Calley. Our political environment hasn't changed much since the Vietnam era. Ideology blinds.

Hugh Thompson did a favor for the Americans engaged in the massacre. Thankfully, Thompson saved them from far worse memories of their participation in the brutal war (those who survivied the war). Thompson stood up for true American ideals; those kids(soldiers at My Lai) needed a leader who would look out for them, not some jackass like Calley or commanders who condoned such actions who would exploit them.