Bitter Springs Massacre

The Bitter Springs Massacre was an event that took place in the Mojave Wasteland about three years before the events of Fallout: New Vegas.

Background
When the New California Republic arrived in the Mojave, the Great Khans considered them easy targets and raided their caravans, towns, and camps. Members of the Great Khans agitated the situation, harassing members of the NCR and shooting at soldiers, civilians, and children.

Intel led leaders within the NCR to believe a camp located at Bitter Springs was a gang hideout, and forces including the First Recon sharpshooters were sent there to engage from Camp Golf. The sharpshooters were ordered to set up overlooking Canyon 37 on Coyote Tail Ridge, guarding the only escape route out of Bitter Springs, while the main force attacked from the front. The NCR's main force was spotted too early and shooting began, resulting in members of the Great Khans fleeing through the canyon.

Until this point, the NCR did not realize that Bitter Springs was a settlement inhabited by civilians, and First Recon were caught off guard by the individuals in the canyon consisting of women, children, the elderly, and the wounded. The sharpshooters had previously been ordered to shoot on sight, but radioed to confirm their orders. The major in charge of the NCR froze when he received this information and his subordinates were unable to understand the situation, confirming the order to fire, utilizing all available ammunition. The resulting miscommunication resulted in the massacre of Great Khan non-combatants by the NCR.

Appearances
The Bitter Springs Massacre is mentioned in Fallout: New Vegas.