As a troop commander, McGrath, Kerrey's first responsibility was to get his troops back safely. As so many others have already pointed out, one evidently could not easily recognize friend from foe in that war. Suppose Kerrey had elected to leave the area without killing the villagers, and those same people had alerted the Viet Cong resulting in Kerry's whole squad being wiped out? Would that better suit you?

As to the Dresden raid, at least the one I am referring to, it happened over a half century ago, so I doubt there will be any kind of investigating tribunal at this late date.

In war bad things happen.

Doug R