There is actual footage of the crimes being committed. Some of Calley's soldiers, true heroes, actually refused his orders. One US helicopter pilot risked his own life when he placed his chopper between the soliders and the civilians to stop the massacre.
To claim that Calley was responsible for all the deaths, is too far fetrched if for an apologist. Somone had to kill 300 or more civilians (children included), and it wasn't just Calley. Afterwards, cover-up was reeking. The entire platoon was awarded war decorations after the massacre, and the official Army bulletin reported the incident as a "victory."
Calleys' boss, Cpt. Medina, got off on a technicality, but the brass knew what happened, and then they tried to cover up.
Yes, My Lai was an isolated incident. Thank God. It was tried, half-a$$, and a scapegoat was found guilty and then let go. There was no justice done. But that's another matter.
Calley was the on-the-scene leader of the platoon that committed the massacre. I wasn't trying to say he himself shot everyone, although he did in fact personally do some of the killing.
You called Calley a scapegoat--I disagree. He was a murderer and the only commissioned officer personally on site. As such, he had a special responsibility which he failed to accomplish--resulting in the deaths of hundreds & discrediting the U.S. Army & the American cause. He should still be in jail.