What happened when U.S. artillery shelled Son My village before the troops landed?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

A group of frightened Vietnamese women and children stand close together outdoors during the My Lai Massacre in the Vietnam War. — My Lai Massacre Vietnamese citizens photographed during the My Lai Massacre, March 16, 1968.

The U.S. artillery barrage on Son My village, which occurred shortly before 7:30 am on March 16, 1968, was intended to clear a landing zone for helicopters. However, the shelling had the unintended effect of forcing civilians who had begun to leave the area to return to My Lai in search of cover, placing them directly in the path of the incoming troops.1