My Lai prosecutor reflects on the ethics of soldiers under fire (NEW)

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

NEW INTERVIEW

Almost four decades ago, American GIs obliterated a hamlet and gunned down hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians. Ever since, "My Lai" has been shorthand for "massacre."

"Revenge is not a reason for killing," William Eckhardt says. "That's sin."

<snip>

Q: Isn't someone acting on a superior's orders to kill civilians damned regardless? If they follow the order, they could be subject to criminal prosecution. If they refuse, they risk court-martial and alienation.

A: We expect instant obedience to orders. People die when orders aren't obeyed.

But the orders have to be legal. Killing unprotected innocents is illegal.

More: http://159.54.227.3/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060604/NEWS/606040343