Ernest Medina
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| Ernest Medina | |
|---|---|
| August 27, 1936 – | |
 Captain Ernest Medina |
|
| Place of birth | Springer, New Mexico |
| Allegiance | U.S. Army |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry of the 11th Brigade, Americal Division |
| Commands | Charlie Company |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
Ernest Lou Medina (born August 27, 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, the group responsible for the My Lai Massacre of 1968.
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.
Lieutenant William Calley, a platoon leader serving in Medina's company during the massacre, 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]
