"U.S. War Crimes: The Guilt at the Top" by Robert C. Johansen, The Progressive, June, 1971

This article argues that responsibility for U.S. war crimes in Vietnam goes beyond individual soldiers and extends up the chain of command to top military and civilian leaders. It cites laws like the Geneva Conventions and evidence of widespread practices including bombing villages, creating “free-strike zones,” and mistreating civilians and prisoners, all of which high-ranking officials likely knew about. The author concludes that leaders including Presidents Johnson and Nixon, as well as top generals, may bear responsibility for these crimes.