Experiences of the South Vietnamese during the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War brought upon South Vietnam much grief. Many had to live in constant fear that today may be their last. Ease and peace in their own home was something that many wished for. The Allies couldn’t distinguish between the Viet Cong, and the citizens of South Vietnam. The Allies were constantly under tension and were suspicious of anyone. This is because many Viet Cong would disguise themselves as ordinary citizens, and would then launch a surprise attack. This My Lai Massacre took the life of many innocent people. The My Lai Massacre was the mass murder between 347 and 504 unarmed civilians in 1968 by the US Army of soldiers. Most of the victims were women, children, infants and elderly people. This led to many instances whereby innocent South Vietnamese people were murdered by the country that was supposed to be helping them. 

Photo taken during the massacre

“Suddenly I had enough. I could not hold myself back any longer. From my weapons stock, I pulled out a hand grenade and took out the pin. All the American and Korean soldiers started screaming and ran out of the bar when I started counting. Four of my own men held me down and then frantically worked to put the pin back in the grenade before the 7 second were up. Otherwise, it would have exploded.”