Hugh Thompson, Jr.
(April 15, 1943 – January 6, 2006)

In 1998, Hugh Thompson, Glenn Andreotta, and Lawrence Colburn were awarded the Soldier's Medal (Andreotta posthumously), the United States of America's highest award for bravery not involving direct contact with the enemy. The award was for their actions in March 1968 at the Vietnamese village of My Lai.

Major General Michael Ackerman said at the ceremony: "It was the ability to do the right thing even at the risk of their personal safety that guided these soldiers to do what they did. The three set the standard for all soldiers to follow." U.S. Senator, Max Cleland, triple amputee Vietnam veteran, applauded these veterans as, "true examples of American patriotism at its finest."

"If one person can come out of their shell and realize they
     can get better rather than bitter, then all I've done will have been
     worth it."

     --Max Cleland: Author, Professor, U.S. Senator, former director, U.S. Veterans Administration, Viet Nam Veteran, triple amputee

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A Soldier's Prayer           I asked for strength, that I might achieve;      I was made weak, that I might be humble.      I asked for health, that I might do great things;      I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.      I asked for riches, that I might be happy;      I was given poverty, that I might be wise.      I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;      I was given weakness, that I might understand the pain of those reviled.      I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;      I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.      I got nothing that I asked for -- but everything that I need or could hope for.      Despite myself, my unspoken prayers have been answered.      I am blessed.           -By An Unknown Soldier