The Winter Soldier Investigation was organized by the Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) to draw attention to significant allegations of war crimes and atrocities committed during the Vietnam War. Held in Detroit, Michigan, this investigation welcomed veterans who bravely shared their firsthand accounts of the acts they witnessed or engaged in while serving in Vietnam. The notable aspect of this gathering was its effort to publicly challenge the narrative of the war being fought solely for noble causes, by exposing the harsh realities faced by both soldiers and Vietnamese civilians. The testimonies included graphic descriptions of violence and the moral dilemmas faced by service members, which contributed to a growing anti-war sentiment among Americans.

Over three days, from January 31 to February 2, veterans from various backgrounds, regions, and military branches provided detailed accounts that underscored a troubling pattern of misconduct and destruction. The event marked a shift in the dialogue surrounding the Vietnam War, transforming it from mere policy discussions to a critical examination of the impact of those policies on human lives. The witnesses acted as a collective voice, amplifying the disillusionment many veterans felt about the actions taken by their own government in the name of freedom and democracy.

The investigation received substantial media coverage, further fueling public discourse about the Vietnam War and raising awareness of veterans' issues. It engaged citizens who may have been previously uninformed about the moral implications of the war, and it laid the groundwork for future advocacy work related to anti-war movements and veteran's rights. Through the courageous testimonies shared, it became evident that the consequences of warfare extend far beyond the battlefield, affecting the lives of veterans and civilians alike.