From a website created by survivors and families of those lost on the USS Liberty:
SYNOPSIS OF OUR STORY
On June 8, 1967, the Israeli Defense Forces murdered 34 Americans on the high seas (31 sailors, 2 marines, and a NSA civilian). Out of a total compliment of 294 men, 70% of the crew became casualties as 172 were wounded in addition to the 34 killed.
For 6 hours the morning before the attack, the ship was subjected to intense scrutiny by Israeli photo-reconnaissance aircraft flying as low as 200 feet. The USS Liberty had traditional American markings on her bow (GTR-5) and stern (USS LIBERTY) flying a large American Flag, which stood out in the breeze, and sailing in international waters on a clear and sunny day. The ship was a WWII victory hull cargo ship modified to monitor and record ambient radio transmission and lightly armed with four 50 caliber machine guns.
The Israelis began the attack with 3 fighter jets which strafed, rocketed, and bombed the Liberty. This was followed with 3 torpedo boats that fired 30mm canon and torpedoes. Since the Liberty was a virtually unarmed vessel and not a military threat, at no time did the torpedo boats request the Liberty to surrender as did the North Koreans regarding the USS Pueblo in 1968. Responding to our SOS which was about 15 minutes into the Israeli attack, the USS Saratoga launched conventionally armed fighter aircraft to assist the USS Liberty and the USS America launched nuclear armed jet aircraft to bomb Cairo. Why Cairo? Our SOS did not identify the attacker at the time as the identity of the attacker was unknown. Within minutes after the launch, the White House recalled all aircraft abandoning the USS Liberty subjecting us to an additional 2 hours of an Israeli turkey shoot. In disbelief, RADM Geis, Sixth Fleet Carrier Division Commander, challenged the order (as was his right and responsibility in this situation). Unbelievably, the White House again reaffirmed the order to recall all aircraft despite our plea for help. Israelis destroyed one of the most advanced intelligence ships.
The Liberty was riddled with 821 holes, sustained 2 napalm bombs, and a torpedo blowing a 22 by 39 foot hole in her starboard side killing 25 of the 34 murdered. Miraculously, the Liberty refused to sink and was able to get underway under her own power. The Israelis were observed machine gunning 3 life rafts. It was obvious to the Liberty crew that survivors were not to be taken. When hostilities ceased, helicopters were observed overhead with Israeli commandos at the ready to finish us off. Fortuitously, the Israelis picked up an invalid message that U.S. help was on the way. Israel was reluctantly forced to terminate its ongoing attack. Ironically help did not arrive until 18 hours after the attack when the Liberty was only 15 minutes away from USS Saratoga and USS America fighter jets.
http://members.aol.com/w4lmk/libfndtn.htm
The Liberty Foundation wants all US Government documents relating to the attack on the USS Liberty to be declassified. Isn't it about time this was done?
The following report accusing the Israelis of committing war crimes by their attack on the USS Liberty was submitted to the Secretary of Defense, June 8, 2005 by an organization formed by Liberty survivors and the families of those killed in action that day on the Liberty: http://www.ussliberty.org/report/report.pdf
The report details the facts concerning the incident and asks that the DOD convene a full investigatory body with access to all information to determine if war crimes were committed and who was responsible. There has been no meaningful response from the Bush administration.
Originally posted by no1marauderHas there been a "meaningful response" from any administration?
The following report accusing the Israelis of committing war crimes by their attack on the USS Liberty was submitted to the Secretary of Defense, June 8, 2005 by an organization formed by Liberty survivors and the families of those killed in action that day on the Liberty: http://www.ussliberty.org/report/report.pdf
The report details the fact ...[text shortened]... ted and who was responsible. There has been no meaningful response from the Bush administration.
Originally posted by no1marauderYes! The Israelis and the US gov't need to answer MANY questions.....and compensations/punishment meted out...good topic to bring up No1.....you're my pal, after all...😀
From a website created by survivors and families of those lost on the USS Liberty:
SYNOPSIS OF OUR STORY
On June 8, 1967, the Israeli Defense Forces murdered 34 Americans on the high seas (31 sailors, 2 marines, and a NSA civilian). Out of a total compliment of 294 men, 70% of the crew became casualties as 172 were wounded in addition to the 3 ...[text shortened]... elating to the attack on the USS Liberty to be declassified. Isn't it about time this was done?
Recc'ed
Originally posted by chancremechanicTrue, my parents have been complaining of taking me to school every day with "these gas prices", and they're telling me I'd "better get a job soon, young man, or else you'll be walking to school!"
That wouldn't be so bad....at least gas prices will go down....😉
Originally posted by abejnoodwe've always had good guys and bad guys. whatever side you happen to be on is the good guys and whatever side your enemies are on are the bad guys. isn't this how it works?
Oh, wow, now we have "good guys" and "bad guys". Next George Bush will turn to the dark side and reorganize the West into the Second Galactic Empire.