Let's Show Some Respect for 50th USS Liberty Commemoration

We all know a history buff or someone who seemingly knows something
about almost everything, but there's a pretty good chance that not even
your go-to-guy/gal knows the significance of today's date, June 8, 1967.
It's virtually the Rodney Dangerfield of homages to US servicemen
because there's no mention of the date or it's significance at any time
throughout Memorial Day/Fleet Week. However, according to survivors,
America's staunchest ally, Israel unleashed a hellish attack on the USS
Liberty an American Navy spy ship in international waters off the coast
of Egypt during the Six Day War. Twenty five Americans aboard the ship
died instantly when one of three torpedoes launched by the Israelis
ripped through the vessel, another nine died when the ship was strafed
with rockets and machine gun fire. Several hundred others were badly injured as the assault continued all while old glory flapped in the wind herself taking fire. At one point the US servicemen ducking for cover braved the barrage of hellfire to replace the bullet riddled old glory with a even bigger US flag.

Survivors
say their efforts were for naught as it didn't stop the Israelis from
firing machine guns, rockets, and even napalm at the American vessel. At
one point the brave men aboard considering abandoning ship in life
rafts but those too were riddled with bullets. According the survivors
interviewed by this contributor, the attack on the USS Liberty was not
your average case of friendly-fire. Putting aside the oddity of such
description as there is absolutely nothing friendly about being shot at,
survivors say that mere minutes before the attack the Israelis fly by
several times during what's believed to be reconnaissance missions.
During the fly overs the Israelis reportedly exchanged waves with the
Americans who were sunbathing on the deck of the USS Liberty. Keep in
mind the American flag was sailing the winds and was clearly visible.
A
brave tough as nails servicemen named Terry Halbardier risked his life
to save his shipmates climbing the ship's communication antennae to
Macgyver the antennae which was blown to smithereens by the Israelis.
Mr. Halbardier performed a miracle fixing it just long enough to get out
a S.O.S to the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. Throughout the attack
the Israelis were jamming the ship's signals preventing them from
signaling for help but once the S.O.S. dispatched the Israelis ceased
the assault on the Americans.
Why haven't you heard of this
before? There's no shortage of theories as to why but if you truly want
an answer ask a USS Liberty survivor. Always go directly to the source.
There were no Edward Snowden types around during the USS Liberty era so when Admiral Kidd told the bloodied sailors to keep their mouths shut or else they did just that for several decades. However, their silence back then is not the reason USS Liberty survivors get no respect today. Mr. Halbardier found a Purple Heart medal in his mailbox in 2011. Captain William McGonagle, skipper of the USS Liberty received the Medal of Honor from the Secretary of the NAVY not the President as was the norm and others received medals in quiet ceremonies. Liberty survivors point out that there has never been a legitimate investigation of the June 8, 1967 attack nor have the Israelis been held accountable. This day in history reeks of ick-factor and cover up. American servicemen were slaughtered in cold blood in International waters and our government did nothing to protect them. Remember June 8, 1967. Obviously, it's impossible to be aware of every important event in American history but that doesn't excuse not memorializing one of the worst atrocities in world history two weeks after the day designated to honor US servicemen and women. Let's all show utmost respect for those senselessly murdered on June 8, 1967.