Ep 046 "Review and Discussion: My Lai: Vietnam, 1968, and the Descent into Darkness by Howard Jones"

Chasing Ghosts: An Irregular Warfare Podcast

I discuss the slaughter of over 500 unarmed men, women and children in My Lai in March 1968 by American soldiers.

In concert with the Tet Offensive in 1968, this was the end of American arms in Vietnam.

The collision of barbarism, toxic leadership and moral injury make everyone of these pages bleed. One of the most searing indictments of American arms you will read. This book is an acquired taste because it may crush your soul.

I caution you before you listen to this that the telling of this tale is will haunt any decent human being forever.

References:

Howard Jones My Lai: Vietnam, 1968, and the Descent into Darkness

Karl Marlantes What It Is Like to Go to War

Bill Russel Edmonds God is Not Here: A Soldier's Struggle with Torture, Trauma, and the Moral Injuries of War

Clark Savage King of All Things: A Guide to Man's Martial Purpose

Dick Couch A Tactical Ethic: Moral Conduct in the Insurgent Battlespace

Andrew Bacevich Paths of Dissent: Soldiers Speak Out Against America's Misguided Wars

Shauna Springer WARRIOR: How to Support Those Who Protect Us

Jonathan Shay Achilles in Vietnam: Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character

Jonathan Shay Odysseus in America: Combat Trauma and the Trials of Homecoming

Another podcast:

Martyrmade: Anything That Moves - The My Lai Massacre (w/History on Fire)

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