What heroic action did CWO Hugh Thompson take during the My Lai incident?

CWO Hugh Thompson's heroic action during the My Lai incident involved landing his helicopter between the U.S. soldiers and the Vietnamese villagers. This decisive action, taken amidst a horrifying massacre, was a clear demonstration of moral courage and a commitment to protecting innocent lives. By positioning himself in between the two groups, Thompson confronted the soldiers' actions directly, expressing that he would not allow further violence against the civilians. His willingness to intervene not only highlighted the ethical responsibility of military personnel to protect non-combatants but also laid the groundwork for reporting the atrocities that occurred during the incident. This act of bravery later contributed significantly to raising awareness of the My Lai massacre and prompted further investigations into the conduct of U.S. forces during the Vietnam War. Thompson's actions exemplified the values of leadership and moral clarity that are essential in military training and operations.