Who Is Ernest Medina? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on August 27, 1936, Ernest Medina is notably known for his role as a U.S. Army captain during the Vietnam War. He was implicated in the tragic events of the 1968 My Lai massacre, which has left a lasting impact on American military history and discussions surrounding military ethics. As of 2025, Medina is 88 years old. His experiences during the war and subsequent trials have made him a subject of interest in historical and military discussions.
| Occupation | Murderers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 27, 1936 |
| Age | 81 Years |
| Birth Place | Springer, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Mexico |
| Date of death | 8 May, 2018 |
| Died Place | Marinette, Wisconsin, U.S. |
Popularity
Ernest Medina's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details regarding Ernest Medina’s physical stats are less publicized, it is known that individuals of his age typically experience significant changes in body composition. Generally, male veterans from his period are often characterized by varying heights and weights, which may reflect their physical fitness levels during service and after retirement.
However, a helicopter crew in the area that day would have a different accounting of Medina's actions. A three-man crew consisting of WO1 Hugh Thompson, Crew Chief Spec 4 Glenn Andreotta and Gunner Lawrence Colburn witnessed the following at the Son My village.
Per Lawrence Colburn: "Then we saw a young girl about twenty years old lying on the grass. We could see that she was unarmed and wounded in the chest. We marked her with smoke because we saw a squad not too far away. The smoke was green, meaning it's safe to approach. Red would have meant the opposite.
We were hovering six feet off the ground not more than twenty feet away when Captain Medina came over, kicked her, stepped back, and finished her off. He did it right in front of us. When we saw Medina do that, it clicked. It was our guys doing the killing."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Details about Ernest Medina's personal life, including specific relationships, are not widely available. However, it is known that he has had a complex relationship with his past and the military community. Any information regarding a boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse remains sparse, possibly indicating a preference for privacy in his later years.
Net Worth and Salary
As an army captain and a veteran known primarily for his involvement in historical military events, Medina's net worth is not officially documented. His earnings during his military career would have been standard for Army captain ranks during the Vietnam era. Following his service, details about his salary, if any, from public speaking engagements or historical consulting are not publicly available.
Career, Business and Investments
After his military service, Medina's career path shifted towards a more public aspect due to his historical significance. He faced legal challenges in the years after the My Lai massacre, which steered much of the public discourse about his life. While no significant business ventures or investments are documented, his participation in discussions around military ethics has made him a figure of interest, particularly in academic and historical contexts.
Ernest Lou Medina (August 27, 1936 – May 8, 2018) was a captain of infantry in the United States Army. He served during the Vietnam War. He was the commanding officer of Company C, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry of the 11th Brigade, Americal Division, the unit responsible for the My Lai massacre of 16 March 1968.
He was court-martialed in 1971 for his role in that massacre, but acquitted the same year.
Social Network
Ernest Medina's engagement on social media platforms appears to be minimal. Given the controversies surrounding his past, Medina may have chosen to maintain a low profile, focusing on personal reflection rather than public interaction. As a historical figure, however, he is sometimes mentioned in discussions on platforms dedicated to veterans, military history, and ethics.
In 1952, at age 16, Medina lied about his age to enlist in the Colorado Army National Guard. After a variety of post–high school odd jobs, Medina joined the Regular Army in 1956. He served 12 years in the enlisted ranks (including his time in the National Guard) before being commissioned through Officer Candidate School in 1964.
Education
Details about Ernest Medina’s educational background are not extensively documented. However, like many individuals pursuing a military career during the Vietnam era, it can be inferred that he likely had some level of formal education prior to enlisting in the Army. The rigorous training and leadership skills required for his rank suggest a level of competency and learning derived both from formal education and military training.
