The Korean War. Veterans of that conflict, which claimed 33,741 lives, rightfully complained that it was America’s “forgotten war” and a United Nations-sponsored war that politicians chose to label a “police action.” Those vets only recently received a much-belated recognition. But America also had a forgotten battle, a one-sided but real one in which Americans died but which the powers-that-be chose (and still choose) to ignore, dismiss, deny and lie about. It occurred on June 8, 1967.
I recently had the good fortune to spot a car parked aboard a ferry carrying the New York license plate, “USSLBRTY,” and took the opportunity to knock on the window and ask the driver if he had been on the USS Liberty on that fateful day in 1967. He told me he had, and I thanked him for his service to our nation. As I spoke with him, what struck me more than anything else was his modesty and humility; he repeatedly thanked me “for remembering,” which was sad, really, since he’d served on a United States vessel that was attacked, without provocation and in international waters, a sneak attack that resulted in 34 dead, 172 wounded, and severe damage to the ship. The incident should be an integral part of our national consciousness, but it isn’t.
He submitted to an interview. What follows is one man’s account of the attack on the USS Liberty and its aftermath, the words of an eyewitness to a foul deed perpetrated by a reputed ally on a flagged American ship thirty-seven years ago.
Q. Would you care to identify yourself?
A. Sure. My name is Americo Aimetti. I’m currently an Officer in the USCG Auxiliary and United States Naval Sea Cadets. Call me Rick.
Q. Ok, Rick, may I ask what all those ribbons are for?
A. Well, the three relating to the attack on the Liberty are the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Presidential Unit Citation. [Rick had a chestful of ribbons but chose not to identify them all.]
Q. And where were you on June 8, 1967?
A. I was a Petty Officer 3rd class; my duties during the attack were Damage Control, aboard the USS Liberty (AGTR-5), an intelligence ship.
Q. Can you explain AGTR?
A. An AGTR. That’s an Auxiliary Geodetic Technical Research ship.
Q. Could you describe the Liberty?
A. It was 455 foot intelligence-gathering ship, crew of 290, actually a converted World War II Victory Ship. A spy ship.
Q. Ok, tell me what happened that day.
A. Well, we were off the Sinai Peninsula, sixteen miles off El Arish, in international waters, during the Egyptian-Israeli War.
Q. Was the Liberty armed?
A. We had four 50-caliber machine guns.
Q. Ok, go on.
A. Well, again we were in international waters. Early that morning, from 6 a.m. on, Israeli reconnaissance planes had been flying around us, so low we could see the faces of the pilots, over flights and reconnaissance. They were tipping their wings, a friendly gesture.
Q. And the Liberty was flying the American flag?
A. Of course, I saw the flag with my own eyes and no one can tell me different.
Q. Ok, then what?
A. At around 1:30 we were having a chemical attack drill. We secured from the drill and I was in the ship fitter’s shop, in the aft of the ship. We could hear swooshing sounds and thought it was from shore batteries. Then around 2 p.m. came the General Quarters alarm–“This is NOT a drill. All hands to battle stations,” etc. I reported to my duty in the fo’c’s’le (bow of the ship).
Q. What was really happening?
A. We were being strafed by Israeli planes, French-made Mirages and Mystiques. Strafing, rockets, napalm, shooting up life rafts.
Q. With guys in them?
A. No, but shooting up life rafts in their racks, which is against the Geneva Convention.
Q. Please go on.
A. We were called to help put out a fire on the bridge. We kept two 50-gallon drums of gas for the portable pumps and they were hit on one of the upper decks. That fire was hot and intense it actually warped the steel bulkhead (wall). As I started up to the bridge I passed a friend, Frank Spicher, the postal clerk. He was covered with blood. He asked, “How do I look?” I told him he looked okay and to hang on and that I would see him on my way back. I don’t know how much time had passed but by the time I returned, he had died.
Q. What did you do then?
A. I was putting out fires and plugging holes, investigating explosions, etc.
Q. How long did this attack go on?
A. Well, it started around 2:00, went on for a couple of hours, by aircraft and torpedo boats.
Q. Now, wait, how well-marked was the Liberty?
A. We had large markings, “GTR5” on the hull (bow), both sides and “LIBERTY” on the stern, U.S. flag flying. They shot down our flag. The guys sent up another and that was shot down too. Then we put up “Holiday Colors,” a flag about ten by twelve feet. We were also signaling, “U.S. Navy Ship” with signal lights.
Q. You were torpedoed?
A. Yes, midship, starboard side. There were three torpedo boats circling us.
Q. What happened then?
A. I heard an explosion below. Phil Tourney, another crewman and best friend and I headed below to investigate, when we heard another alert, “Stand by for torpedo attack.” One of us had to stay below so I told Phil to go topside and lock the hatch behind him. We shook hands and said “hope we see each other in the hereafter.” Phil went topside, there was another explosion that occurred that lifted the ship out of the water. Phil came below to see if I was ok and we headed to the research area where the torpedo had hit. We started pulling wet guys out of the scuttle. That’s the center of a hatch. The ship was flooding, though, and we had to eventually close it.
Q. Were guys still inside?
A. I don’t know. I hope not, but we had to save the ship and those still alive.
Q. Did anyone come to help the Liberty?
A. No. We had gotten a message out and the fleet with a “jury rigged” antennae. The Saratoga [an aircraft carrier] launched planes but they were recalled twice. The America also launched and the planes were recalled.
Q. Why?
A. Politics.
Q. Ok, we’ll get back to that, but what happened then?
A. An Israeli helicopter arrived and wanted to board us. The captain refused to let them. Then another Israeli helicopter arrived. It had the U.S. ambassador on board and they lowered a brown paper bag weighted with oranges with a message asking if we had any wounded. (Laughing).
Q. What injuries did you personally sustain?
A. I was wounded in my side, legs, hand by shrapnel, and burned by napalm.
Q. Can you tell me what happened in the aftermath of this attack on the Liberty?
A. Sure. Our captain [then Commander William L. McGonagle] wouldn’t leave the bridge for some thirty-six hours. He was wounded. He had served in World War II and Korea and received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions that day. He’s buried in Arlington. The medal is cited on his gravestone but not a word about where and how he earned it. [Editor’s Note: the Medal of Honor citation simply states, “the Liberty was attacked without warning by jet fighter aircraft and torpedo boats,” with no mention of Israel.]
Q. Why not?
A. Well, figure it out. There’s also a mass grave in Arlington where eight guys from the Liberty are buried. There was no DNA testing back then. And the marker originally said “died in the Mediterranean.” No other identification of how they were killed. After years of fighting we finally had the wording changed to “Killed USS LIBERTY,” still no mention as of by whom was allowed.
Q. Did Israel ever admit to what they did?
A. At first, they denied everything, then paid $18 million in “reparations,” but that was a joke. Most went to families of the dead and some of us were paid for things we had lost; I got $60 or $80. (I heard that the next year aid to Israel was increased by $18 million.) They later said it was an accident or a mistake, that they thought we were a much smaller Egyptian ship, the El Quesier, an out-of-service Egyptian horse carrier. [The USS Liberty, valued at some $40 million at the time of the attack was sold for scrap for approximately $101,000 in 1970. In 1982, Israel paid $6 million in compensation.]
Q. Can you explain why that happened that day?
A. Yeah, Israel wanted the Golan Heights and wanted to make it look like Egypt attacked us. That’s why they went after our antennae, so we couldn’t send messages. They wanted to sink us.
Q. Ok, let’s get back to why help wasn’t sent.
A. Well, Captain Tully on the Saratoga stated in interviews that he launched planes, twice in fact. The last time planes were launched President Johnson even got involved and radioed; saying something like, “I don’t give a damn if that ship sinks and all those men die, we can’t embarrass our allies.” This represented a blatant violation of the UCMJ–The Universal Code of Military Justice.
Q. Some ally!
A. Yeah, right.
Q. Well, thanks again for what you did, Rick, and for taking the time for this interview. You’re a hero.
A. I’m no hero. I was just doing my job. I didn’t even want the Purple Heart since a lot of guys were hurt more than I was. I didn’t receive my Purple Heart until December 2000, but that’s another story. But thanks to you for remembering.
(Editor’s note: For further information on the USS Liberty and the events of that day and the joint U.S.-Israeli cover up, readers are referred to a host of websites, including USSLIBERTY.ORG and Rick’s website LIBERTYAGTR5DIV.ORG– which features a great deal of information on the Liberty. Readers are also referred to Assault on the Liberty by James Ennes, Operation Cyanide: How the Bombing of the USS Liberty Nearly Caused WWIII, and a DVD/video called “Dead in the Water.” A documentary can also be seen on The History Channel from time to time, and the video is available for purchase.)
Replies: 20 Comments
Posted by:
jlehman5@austin.rr.com">Joel W. Lehman
On Saturday, December 18th
My GQ station was with LT Toth on the 04 level. I saw the US flag flying during the drill prior to the attack.
Posted by:
Bill
On Friday, December 17th
Users: Feel free to continue to post comments, etc. here but please note that the site has discussion forums (you can create your own topic) which might be even better.
Register and Discuss here:
http://www.citizen-journal.net/cgi-bin/teemz/teemz.cgi?board=_master
Posted by:
Terry Halbardier
On Friday, December 17th
Looks like the denial cultists have crawled out from under their rock again. Weeks, you are the Michael Moore of the Israeli lobby. You pundants are not interested in the truth - you and the rest of your ilk just spread your venom like the snakes that you are. We just want the TRUTH about this incident to be told, however painful it may be for my country, the USA, and for yours, Israel.
If the readers would like to debate this in an open forum, I find
Posted by:
US ARMY WW II VET
On Friday, December 17th
Mr Weeks Just Who are you? Did you sereve THE UNITED STATES in any way? Did you shed your blood for this country? Its obvious where your interests lie. Surly not in the interets of the US! STOP TRYING TO BAFFLE EVEYINE WITH YOUR BS!! Have you ever been in battle? I supose you were the SCRIBE that was writting ever detail down in logs etc in your foxhole while the bullets were flying!! God sake man get real!
I guess its OK with you that ISRAEL has spied, and stolen secrets ..etc from MY country! Which by the way is not YOUR country no matter where you live. With ALL this BS you spouting you fogot ONE thing AMERICAN LIVES WERE LOST AND MEN WERE HURT purposly and without even a hand slapping given! I can see that anyone talking or tring to reason with yuu is a waste of breath!! I hople you are enjoing the weather in Tel Aviv today!
Posted by:
Mike Weeks
On Friday, December 17th
Apparently it's now okay to call the Liberty's skipper a liar; plus Ensign Lucas as well as Chief Thompson. All three on the bridge (Thompson shortly following the torpedo attack), and not one word from them that the attack, and I quote, "went on for a couple of hours, by aircraft and torpedo boats."
Anyone really think they would not have noticed an attack which "went on for a couple of hours, by aircraft and torpedo boats."
Certainly nothing entered in the hand-written quartermaster log book by Ensign Lucas (remember him?) supports the claim (exhibit 6), and certainly nothing reported by the ship itself supports it. In fact one reason for the recall of aircraft by VADM Martin (not LBJ at the White House) was because Liberty reported that IDF helos were observed AFTER THE ATTACK -- i.e., around 3:05PM.
Of course all this nonsense doesn't prevent comments that those NSA intercepts released last year don't mean a thing because they took place AFTER THE ATTACK; yet here we read that given an attack which lasted "for a couple of hours, by aircraft and torpedo boats" we are now to assume those IDF helos were overhead right in the middle of this purported on-going extended attack.
Not until this special remembrance was posted had there been mention that the national ensign was shot down TWICE. All other accounts say ONCE -- during the aerial attack.
Final point: continue to make comments as needed that Israel controls the US, bah, bah, bah and just see where it gets you. This so-called conspiracy is just amazing to watch in action as reported via the net. Must make everyone feel ever-so helpless. How really sad.
Posted by:
Missy
On Thursday, December 16th
"Mike Weeks", you are a sheep! Baaa baaa baaa
Posted by:
Gene Lalor
On Thursday, December 16th
Rick, surely you KNOW neither government WANTS the truth to come out! If that should happen, we would have to change our foreign policy. Israel, since it controls our MidEast policy, would never let it happen.
Posted by:
Rick Aimetti
On Thursday, December 16th
Mr. Weeks I don’t know who you are or WHO or what you represent. I am not going to get into a shouting match with you; but I take offence in you saying my interview and what I said was a fabrication or a lie. YES the attack went on for a TOTAL time of approximately two hours. First the Jets (French built super Mystere, and Mirage), then torpedo boats followed by Super Frelon assault Helicopters. A well orchestrated attack.
Of course every minute was not filled with carnage and battle filled moments, thank God we had a chance to catch our breath to care for our wounded and dead, battling fires, stopping flooding and saving our ship!
The ship did not sink as I’m sure was planned, through a bit of luck and the bravery and the fact that we were a well-trained crew! Why has it been recently revealed that the aerial photos are all fabricated evidence? I don’t care what you have heard or read WE HAVE NEVER had a Congressional investigation, PERIOD. I suggest before you doubt the facts given by people THAT were there you do your homework. By the way our flag was flying, I saw it flying all day with my own eyes until it was shot down and again re-hoisted! I think your efforts would be better spend not denying what was said but work to get the TRUTH told by both Governments.
Posted by:
Greenman
On Thursday, December 16th
I wasn't there, so I don't know what was meant by the attack "went on for a couple of hours, by aircraft and torpedo boats." But it's a dishonest to say it must be a lie, since the boat wasn't sunk. Maybe the vets can enlighten us. Maybe it was sporadic for two hours, but lasted two hours. Why would they lie? And what evidence do you have to suggest it DIDN'T. Surely a first-hand account is better than whatever you may have. (And isnt the point here, that of course there's no record of it happening as recorded by the vets; of COURSE the "official" record wouldn't say that.
Also, the CIA's stated judgment about Israel's "malice" (a judgment no one seems to be willing to defend anyway) has NOTHING to do with how long the attack lasted, etc.
Posted by:
Mike Weeks
On Thursday, December 16th
It continues to amaze; repeating the myth stated here, as only one example, that the attack on the
USS Liberty “went on for a couple of hours, by aircraft and torpedo boats.” And yet with all the
forces that Israel could have brought to bear “for a couple of hours” the ship was not sunk. Truly
amazing. Of course no Liberty log, nor message, nor sworn testimony ever stated that the attack
“went on for a couple of hours, by aircraft and torpedo boats.”
Perhaps why the story as told here receives so little attention is due to the fact that those who have
had access to the records, or those who had access back in 1967 to the records, understand that what
has been stated here is just not accurate. After all, the CIA is on the record officially as stating: “It
remains our best judgment that the Israeli attack the USS Liberty was not made in malice toward the
United States and was a mistake.” Powerful stuff; especially when compared to a story in which it’s
claimed that the ship’s national ensign was shot down TWICE.
It appears Gene Labor had already tipped his hand with his opening comment and thus it’s a good
bet this bit of net "reporting" will go no further then does so much of net “reporting”.
Posted by:
Mark Rosenwig
On Wednesday, December 15th
Why havent I heard of this before!! Americans were killed intentionaly and we still give that country billions of dollars every year!! What would we have done IF IT WERE A DIFFERENT country! I'm sure they would have been CUT OFF long ago! It's time we STOP hearing one side of the story THE ISRAELI SIDE and listen to our own men that WERE THERE! Why isnt this incident mentioned in schools as part of history? Its a disgrace these men have not been honoerd and treated as the heros they are. I want to see some government or state offical show some GUTS for a change and get to the bottom of this regardless of what the truth may reveal or whos reputation it may tarnish! The American people and the families have the RIGHT to know!!
Posted by:
griffindc@yahoo.com">Jim Griffin
On Wednesday, December 15th
Thanks Dr. Lalor and God bless Rick and the Liberty crew! Send this article to EVERYONE you know!
Posted by:
John Gidusko
On Wednesday, December 15th
Kudos to you for knowing about the attack and for grabbing the opportunity to interview Rick. The cover-up has been effective, not too many people know about it and not many politicians will touch the story with a ten foot pole. The continued Israeli lies have gone basically unchallenged by our government. Thanks!
Posted by:
Berlet98@aol.com">Gene Lalor
On Wednesday, December 15th
Thank you all for your comments. What has amazed me for years has been the fact that so few people know of this "incident." Apparently, the cover-up is working very well still. Please spread the article around. Perhaps we can light a flame!!!
Posted by:
GaryWBrummett@aol.com">Gary Brummett
On Wednesday, December 15th
I was in the enginnering dept and want to thank you for not only remembering but giving Rick the opportunity to tell you first hand about the USSLIBERTY AGTR-5.
We are having a reunion in Washington in 2005 and will offer you an invitation to attend and meet more of the crew.
Posted by:
David E. Lewis
On Wednesday, December 15th
I was the Research Officer on Liberty the day she was attacked and 28 of the 34 men murdered that day worked for me. Their deaths must be vindicated
Posted by:
James Ennes
On Wednesday, December 15th
Dr. Lalor has reported a little known story that needs much more attention. Even today, Israel denies that this attack was deliberate despite overwhelming evidence that it was planned and deliberate, and that they have been lying for 37 years to cover it up.
Jim Ennes
survivor
Posted by:
Terry Halbardier
On Wednesday, December 15th
I appreciate seeing the article on the Israeli attack on the USS Liberty. That deliberate attack on an unarmed US Naval ship during the Six Day War has been officially lied about and covered up ever since for political reasons. It is a shame that our government has never PROPERLY investigated what really happened that sad day. It is time that the truth be revealed to the American public and I applaud Mr Aimetti's sharing the truth with us. I also applaud this paper for having the courage to print his story.
Posted by:
cjstudio7@earthlink.net">Charles L. Fields
On Wednesday, December 15th
Hopefully other newspapers will pick this up and run with it. Keep the TRUTH ALIVE!
Posted by:
oliphg@comcast.net">Glenn Oliphant
On Wednesday, December 15th
Thank you for writing this article and publishing it. America needs to know the truth of what happened that day and we thank you for doing your effort.
