Returning Home from Vietnam

I wore the Americal Division insignia when I came home from Vietnam, March 7, 1970, and during my 20 years’ service. The Americal Division insignia has a blue background, represents the infantry, and four white stars which symbolize the Southern Cross. Soldiers wore the unit insignia they served in combat on their right shoulder of their uniform.

I was in the same division and brigade, 11th Infantry, different battalion, as Lieutenant William Calley, arriving one year after the massacre at My Lai. My Lai was in the same province, Quang Ngai, that my platoon patrolled and where 13 of my platoon brothers died. It appeared that the Americal Division insignia that I proudly wore signified to the American public only that I was a “baby killer.” To them, there was no distinction between Calley and others who served in the Americal Division. "Baby Killer" became a popular chant from protesters.

The 11th Infantry Brigade, known as Jungle Warriors, assigned to the 23rd Infantry Division from 1967 through 1971 in the Vietnam War. The brigade was known for its responsibility in the My Lai Massacre too.

​The day Glyn Haynie returned from Vietnam, March 7, 1970, at his parents home in Columbus, Georgia.

Americal Infantry Division  11th Infantry Brigade