The My Lai massacre was the American tragedy in Vietnam writ miniature.

Pinkville was the name given to the region by American forces, because the area was shaded pink on military maps to indicate a densely populated hamlet. The atrocity was initially called the Pinkville Massacre.

Hugh Thompson, Jr. was an American helicopter pilot who, along with his gun crew, intervened to save the lives of many villagers that day, threatening to shoot American soldiers who interfered with his rescue. He later met stiff resistance while trying to report the mass murder to the chain of command. In retaliation, he was assigned increasingly dangerous piloting missions. It was not until several decades after the war that his heroism was officially acknowledged by the US government.

Ru Con is a traditional Vietnamese lullaby.

released September 10, 2023

Written by Peter Colclasure

Performed by Peter Colclasure and Skyros Quartet

Recorded and mixed by Steve Ditore at Jack Straw in Seattle

This recording was made possible by a generous grant from the Jack Straw Foundation.

Mastered by Kenny Schick at Basement3Productions

Cover photograph by Jonathan Borba

Cover design by Peter Colclasure