1. My Lai Massacre (American Forces)
- In March 1968, American soldiers brutally killed hundreds of unarmed civilians in the village of My Lai. This incident brought widespread attention to the issue of war crimes committed by US troops.
2. Use of Agent Orange (American Forces)
- The American military sprayed millions of gallons of the defoliant Agent Orange during the war. This chemical caused health problems, birth defects, and environmental damage, leading to accusations of chemical warfare.
3. Torture and Mistreatment of POWs (Both Sides)
- Both American and Vietnamese forces were accused of torturing and ill-treating prisoners of war. These actions violated the Geneva Conventions, which set standards for the humane treatment of prisoners.
4. Destruction of Civilian Property (Both Sides)
- Widespread destruction of civilian property occurred during the war, resulting in immense human suffering. This destruction included bombing campaigns and the use of heavy artillery in populated areas.
5. Use of Psychological Operations (American and South Vietnamese Forces)
- American and South Vietnamese forces conducted psychological operations aimed at demoralizing the enemy. These operations included distributing leaflets containing graphic images and false information.
6. Civilian Casualties (Both Sides)
- The Vietnam War resulted in millions of civilian deaths. Both sides were responsible for causing non-combatant casualties through ground offensives, air strikes, and artillery bombardments.
It's important to note that these allegations refer to specific incidents or practices that were condemned as illegal under the international laws of war. The Vietnam War was a highly complex and multifaceted conflict, and generalizations about the behavior of all American or Vietnamese soldiers would oversimplify the historical realities. Nonetheless, these accusations highlighted the devastating consequences of war and prompted critical reflections on the ethics of military conduct.