A True American Hero

A REAL AMERICAN HERO

William Calley went to war
His country to defend
He came under a vicious attack
Endangering the lives of his men

In a village manned by Viet Cong
Protected by women and children
He made the decision to open fire
Though he felt it wrong

When the fire fight was finally over
Many women and children lay dead
The Viet Cong were taken prisoner
The lieutenant was filled with dread

His superiors caved to the media
And a court martial soon ensued
The lieutenant was sent to prison
Based on erroneous news

The 'innocent' women and children
Were the horrible tragedy of war
But their fear of death from the Viet Cong
Was overwhelming to them by far

Was Lieutenant Calley's decision wrong
In war, I say not so
However, he was sent to prison
And dealt a political blow

I pray that his superiors
Saw the error of their ways
And the media will one day learn
To report the truth without any bias

May those who died in all wars past
Be remembered as true heroes
And their honor will forever last
Not the memory of their foes

And no more court martials
To cover up political lies
Heaped on an American hero
While his faithful battalion dies
Curtis Moorman
Memorial Day 2014
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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