Ernest Medina
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Ernest Lou Medina (born 27 August 1936) was a captain in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was the commanding officer of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry of the 11th Brigade, Americal Division.
Lieutenant William Calley was a platoon leader serving in Medina's company during the My Lai Massacre.
Captain Medina was charged in connection with the crimes, but was ultimately found not guilty of all charges relating to the massacre. He was represented by Francis Lee Bailey at the 1971 court martial.
Calley, who claimed that he was following orders from Medina, on the other hand, was found guilty of various crimes, but ultimately only served 3½ years of house arrest in his quarters at Fort Benning, Georgia and was released in 1974 by a federal judge.
After leaving the military Medina went to work at a Enstrom Helicopter Manufacturing Company plant owned by Bailey in Menominee, Michigan.[1]
