"Reading about what you did at My Lai released imprisoned emotions that I didn't know I had locked away all these years. I guess My Lai had hurt and shamed me more than I knew. Your heroism in the face of that terrific evil has renewed my faith in mankind. I can't believe I'm writing this, because I am not at all emotional or morose or even deep-thinking, normally. But the description of what you did, and my spontaneous and voluntary reaction to it, has made me realize that I was deeply wounded by Vietnam, and My Lai in particular. I'll bet there are many more like me. You have healed many of my wounds. I could feel as if the emotions broke free the day I read your story. Thank you for that. Thank you also for showing all of us that man can perform moral and courageous deeds even if threatened by terrible and evil danger. You have given all of us an inspiring lesson in how to live."
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Jim Gustin, resident of Bridgewater, Connecticut, in a letter sent to Thompson following the awarding of the Soldier's Medal to Thompson, Glenn Andreotta, and Lawrence Colburn in 1998 for their actions at My Lai in 1968. As quoted by Trent Angers, The Forgotten Hero of My Lai: The Hugh Thompson Story (1999), Lafayette: Acadian House Publishing, p. 200
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Hugh_Thompson%2C_Jr.
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Hugh Thompson, Jr.
Hugh C. Thompson, Jr. (April 15, 1943 – January 6, 2006) was a US Army helicopter pilot who rescued Vietnamese civilians during the My Lai massacre during the Vietnam war and campaigned to bring those responsible to justice. After receiving the prestigious Soldier's Medal he became a popular speaker on military ethics.
20 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Hugh Thompson, Jr. →
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