USS Liberty: The Hidden War Crime
History of Everything
Deep Dive
What was the USS Liberty's mission during the Six-Day War?
The USS Liberty was sent to the Mediterranean Sea to gather intelligence on the Six-Day War between Israel and a coalition of Arab states. It was an auxiliary technical research ship, a cover for intelligence gathering missions for the NSA and other government agencies. Its mission was to remain in international waters and collect as much intel as possible.
Why did Israel attack the USS Liberty?
Israel claimed the attack was a case of mistaken identity, believing the USS Liberty to be an Egyptian vessel. However, evidence suggests that Israeli forces had identified the ship as American hours before the attack. Some speculate that Israel wanted to prevent the U.S. from discovering their plans to attack Syria and take the Golan Heights, which they had promised the U.S. they would not do.
What were the consequences of the attack on the USS Liberty?
The attack resulted in 34 American crew members killed and 171 wounded. The ship suffered severe damage, including a 39-foot-wide hole from a torpedo strike. The U.S. government downplayed the incident, and Israel later paid compensation to the families of the deceased and injured. However, no one was held accountable for the attack, and the incident was largely covered up by both governments.
How did the U.S. government respond to the attack on the USS Liberty?
The U.S. government, under President Lyndon B. Johnson, minimized the incident in the press and distorted the number of casualties. Johnson accepted Israel's explanation of a mistaken identity and suppressed the story to avoid political fallout. The Navy's investigation was rushed and incomplete, and survivors were threatened with court-martial if they spoke about the attack.
What evidence suggests the attack on the USS Liberty was intentional?
Israeli radio transcripts reveal that pilots and controllers discussed the ship's identity before and during the attack. The Liberty was flying a large American flag, and its hull markings were visible. Additionally, Israeli forces jammed the ship's distress signals, which only an ally would know how to do. Pilots were also urged to sink the ship and leave no survivors, indicating a deliberate attempt to cover up the attack.
How did the crew of the USS Liberty respond during the attack?
The crew fought to keep the ship afloat despite severe damage and heavy casualties. They managed to send a distress signal during a brief window when Israeli jets disengaged their jammers. Captain William McGonagall ordered the machine guns manned but rescinded the order upon realizing the attackers were Israeli. The crew's efforts prevented the ship from sinking, and they eventually limped away under their own power.
What role did President Lyndon B. Johnson play in covering up the USS Liberty incident?
President Johnson accepted Israel's explanation of a mistaken identity and suppressed the story to avoid political fallout. He minimized the incident in the press, distorted casualty numbers, and prevented a thorough investigation. Johnson was under pressure from pro-Israeli supporters and donors, who threatened to derail his re-election campaign if he went public with the story.
What was the long-term impact of the USS Liberty incident on U.S.-Israel relations?
Despite the attack, U.S.-Israel relations remained strong. The U.S. continued to support Israel militarily and politically. The incident was largely buried, and no one was held accountable. Over time, Israel paid compensation to the families of the victims, but the attack remains a controversial and largely overlooked chapter in U.S. military history.
Why was the USS Liberty sold for scrap after the attack?
The USS Liberty was severely damaged in the attack, with a 39-foot-wide hole and over 800 smaller holes in its hull. The U.S. government wanted to dismantle and destroy the ship as quickly as possible to prevent journalists from documenting the damage. It was sold for scrap in 1973 for just $100,000, far below its actual value.
What were the findings of the Israeli investigation into the USS Liberty attack?
The Israeli investigation exonerated all involved, claiming the attack was a case of mistaken identity. They argued that the Liberty was confused with an outdated Egyptian ship. However, evidence shows that Israeli forces had identified the Liberty as an American ship hours before the attack. The investigation was widely criticized as a cover-up.
- USS Liberty, a US Navy ship, was attacked by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War.
- The US officially maintained neutrality in the conflict.
- The attack resulted in significant casualties and damage to the ship.