NOTES

PROLOGUE

I know what a slaughterhouse: Gary Brummett interview with author, Sept. 30, 2006.

grave #1817: Kaitlin Horst e-mail to author, Aug. 19, 2008.

“one of the most bloody”: Michael E. Ruane, “An Ambushed Crew Salutes Its Captain,” Washington Post, April 10, 1999, p. B1.

He had shied away: Gene Kramer, “Skipper Breaks Silence on Attack,” Peoria Journal Star, June 9, 1997, p. A2.

His family had weathered: William McGonagle interview with Tim Frank, Sept. 27, 1997.

The Liberty festered inside him: Jim Yardley, “A Salute to Bravery, and Modesty, as Medal of Honor Heroes Meet,” New York Times, June 7, 1998, p. 1; Marguerite Freeman interview with author, Dec. 15, 2007.

Within months: Marguerite Freeman interviews with author, Dec. 15–16, 2007.

In twenty-two months: Ruane, “An Ambushed Crew Salutes Its Captain,” p. B1.

some analysts argue: Benjamin Cwalina interview with author, Dec. 3, 2007.

“There wasn’t any place”: Patrick O’Malley interview with author, Nov. 26, 2007.

The Navy barred its investigators: Ward Boston, Jr., interview with author, Oct. 11, 2006.

“with the feeling”: David L. McDonald’s Comments/Recommended Changes on Liberty Press Release, Box 112, Liberty Press Releases, Immediate Office Files of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Operational Archives Branch, Naval Historical Center (NHC), Washington, D.C.

“not good enough”: “Not Good Enough,” editorial, Washington Post, June 30, 1967, p. A22.

“more fog”: “Missed Signals Again,” editorial, Chicago Tribune, June 30, 1967, p. 14.

“Did the attackers”: “Pentagon Cover-Up,” editorial, Evening Star, June 30, 1967, p. A14.

“Whatever is the reason”: Congressional Record, 90th Cong., 1st sess., June 29, 1967, p. 17893.

“I can’t tolerate”: Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Foreign Assistance Act of 1967: Hearings Before the Committee on Foreign Relations on S. 1872, 90th Cong., 1st sess., July 26, 1967 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1967), pp. 266, 268.

“How could”: Congressional Record, 90th Cong., 1st sess., June 29, 1967, pp. 17894–95.

“Blast injury to brain”: untitled handwritten notes, Box 3, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, Hoover Institution Archives (HIA), Palo Alto, Calif.

When asked to attend: William McGonagle undated draft letter to Stan White, Box 6, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

One of his officers wrote: Lloyd Painter e-mail to author, Nov. 27, 2007; Lloyd Painter interview with author, Aug. 22, 2008.

McGonagle had quietly conducted: Information is drawn from multiple sources, including letters and notes on file with McGonagle’s personal papers in the Hoover Institution Archives. Also, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum provided copies of McGonagle’s charge sheets detailing the records he reviewed on his May 13–16, 1985, and Oct. 19–20, 1998, visits to the archives. McGonagle’s questioning and disbelief in the official American and Israeli stories come from his interview with Tim Frank on Sept. 27, 1997, and his interview with Richard Schmucker on Nov. 16, 1998.

“For many years”: Dead in the Water, directed by Christopher Mitchell, Source Films for BBC, 2002.

CHAPTER 1

I got my orders today!: John Scott letter to parents, March 1, 1966.

Commander William McGonagle paced: Author interviews with Dave Lewis (April 10, 2007); John Scott (March 31, 2007); Dave Lucas (April 25, 2007); Dave Lucas’s journal; Dave Lewis e-mails to author, Aug. 5, 2008.

The Liberty, squeezed: Dave Lucas audio letter to Paula Lucas, May 23, 1967; John Scott letters to parents, April 26, 1967, and May 31, 1967; Dale Larkins letter to parents, May 31, 1967.

The Liberty’s new orders: COMSERVRON EIGHT msg. 240020Z, May 1967, Liberty court of inquiry.

The skipper’s haste: Patrick O’Malley interview with author, Nov. 26, 2007; William McGonagle letter to Clay Brooks with completed Hall of Fame Profile, Nov. 5, 1985, Box 1, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA; William McGonagle Navy Bio, July 8, 1971, Box 6, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA; William McGonagle letter to Mike Polston with completed questionaire, Dec. 12, 1994, Box 1, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA; William McGonagle interview with Tim Frank, Sept. 27, 1997.

“the wrath”: John Scott letter to parents, Feb. 17, 1967.

“My career”: Patrick O’Malley interview with author, Nov. 26, 2007.

Oregon shipbuilders: James Mooney, et al., eds., Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, vol. 4. (Washington DC.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1969), p. 109; Unclassified Naval Security Group File, U.S.S. Liberty, Post 1 Jan. 1946, Command File, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

Halfway around: House Committee on Armed Services, Inquiry into the U.S.S. Pueblo and EC-121 Plane Incidents: Hearings Before the Special Subcommittee on the U.S.S. Pueblo. 91st Cong., 1st sess., March 4, 1969 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1969), pp. 635–36; Raymond V. B Blackman, ed., Jane’s Fighting Ships, 1966–67 (London: Sampson Low, Marston, 1966) p. 447; Thomas H. Moorer oral history interview with John T. Mason, Jr., Jan. 13, 1976, U.S. Naval Institute, Annapolis, Md.

The Defense Department: House Committee on Armed Services, Inquiry into the U.S.S. Pueblo and EC-121 Plane Incidents: Report of the Special Subcommittee on the U.S.S. Pueblo. 91st Cong., 1st sess., July 28, 1969 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1969), pp. 1631–33; Julie Alger, “A Review of the Technical Research Ship Program, 1961–1969,” p. 5; “Fact Sheet for DIRNSA,” undated, www.nsa.gov; Oliver Kirby interview with author, Dec. 31, 2007; Bobby Ray Inman interview with author, Feb. 26, 2007.

The Navy commissioned: Alger, “A Review of the Technical Research Ship Program, 1961–1969,” pp. 5–12; Howard Lund interview with author, Sept. 25, 2007.

“to discourage”: J. W. Chidsey Memorandum for the Record, Feb. 21, 1967, Box 19, Immediate Office File, of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

Shipfitters: Mooney et al., eds., Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, vol. 4, p. 109; Dave Lewis interview with author, April 10, 2007; William D. Gerhard and Henry W. Millington, Attack on a Sigint Collector, the U.S.S. Liberty, National Security Agency/Central Security Service, 1981, p. 16.

“porcupine”: Isaac Kidd, Jr., made the comment during the Liberty court of inquiry. His description comes from a magnabelt recording of the session and is not contained in the court’s printed transcript.

On the frigid: U.S.S. Liberty Commissioning Program, Dec. 30, 1964, Box 3, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA; Donald Peoples interview with author, Dec. 31, 2007.

Like its namesakes: Author interviews with Warren Heaney (Jan. 28, 2008), John Scott (March 30–31, 2007), Jack Beattie (Dec. 27, 2007), George Wilson (Feb. 1, 2008), Gary Brummett (Oct. 8, 2008), and Mac Watson (Jan. 31, 2008).

A class system: Author interviews with John Scott (March 30, 2007), Dave Lewis (April 10, 2007), Joe Lentini (April 6, 2007), and Gary Brummett (Oct. 8, 2008); Joe Lentini e-mail to author, Sept. 12, 2008.

Though the government: Chidsey Memorandum for the Record.

sailed at 7:30: William McGonagle testimony, Liberty court of inquiry.

“I was too hung over”: John Scott letter to parents, May 31, 1967; John Scott interview with author, March 31, 2007.

Lieutenant Commander Philip Armstrong, Jr.: Author interviews with John Scott (March 30, 2007), Dave Lewis (April 10, 2007), Mac Watson (Jan. 31, 2008, and Sept. 15, 2008), Dave Lucas (April 25, 2007), Tim Armstrong (Sept. 22, 2007), and Richard Taylor (May 30, 2007).

The skipper would deny: William McGonagle letter to Jim Ennes, Jr., Jan. 1980.

McGonagle rated: Philip Armstrong, Jr., fitness reports, May 31, 1966, and June 1, 1967, Box 10, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

CHAPTER 2

The circumstances surrounding: House Committee on Armed Services, Review of Department of Defense Worldwide Communications Phase I: Report of the Armed Services Investigating Subcommittee, 92nd Cong., 1st sess., May 10, 1971 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1971), p. 6.

The cost: “Vietnam War,” editorial, New York Times. May 28, 1967, p. E2.

Casualties for May: Tom Buckley, “Casualties of U.S. Rise in Vietnam,” New York Times, June 2, 1967. p. 1.

“Vietnam was a fungus”: Stanley Karnow, Vietnam: A History, rev. ed. (New York: Penguin, 1991), p. 493.

The 25,000 sorties: Robert S. McNamara with Brian VanDeMark, In Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam (New York: Times Books/Random House, 1995), p. 244.

The Pentagon spent: “Pentagon Triples Spending on Defoliation in Vietnam,” New York Times, March 15, 1967, p. 2.

“If America’s soul”: “Beyond Vietnam,” April 4, 1967, www.stanford.edu.

“war without end”: Congressional Record, 90th Cong., 1st sess., April 25, 1967, p. 10611.

“fanatically devoted”: The Vietnam Situation: An Analysis and Estimate, May 23, 1967, Box 14, Central Intelligence Agency Collection, Vietnam Archive, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas.

“resolute stoicism”: Intelligence Memorandum: The Current State of Morale in North Vietnam, May 12, 1967, Box 1, Central Intelligence Agency Collection, Vietnam Archive, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas.

“Short of a major invasion”: Reaction to Various US Courses of Action, May 23, 1967, www.cia.gov.

The first president: Bruce E. Altschuler, LBJ and the Polls (Gainesville: University of Florida Press, 1990), pp. xi–xiii.

Over the past year: George H. Gallup, ed., The Gallup Poll: Public Opinion 1935–1971, vol. 3, 1959–71 (New York: Random House, 1972), pp. 1992, 2062.

Beyond popularity: Ibid., p. 2058.

Polls taken: Ibid., pp. 2049, 2055, 2067.

The Georgia-born Rusk: Joseph A. Fry, Debating Vietnam: Fulbright, Stennis, and Their Senate Hearings (Lanthan, Md.: Rowman & Little-field, 2006), p. 62; Homer Bigart, “War Foes Clash with Police Here as Rusk Speaks,” New York Times, Nov. 15, 1967, p. 1.

During an April speech: Thomas W. Zeiler, Dean Rusk: Defending the American Mission Abroad (Wilmington, Del.: Scholarly Resources, 2000), pp. 162–63; Richard Rusk e-mails to author, Jan. 10, 2008, and Jan. 15, 2008.

“aspirin, scotch”: Dean Rusk as told to Richard Rusk, As I Saw It, edited by Daniel S. Papp (New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1990), pp. 417–18; Richard Rusk e-mail to author, Oct. 9, 2008.

Twice activists: McNamara, In Retrospect, p. 297.

Once at Harvard: Ibid., pp. 254–56.

“murderer”: Ibid., p. 258.

“You have blood”: Ibid., pp. 258, 260.

Even the president: David Halberstam, The Best and the Brightest (London: Barrie & Jenkins, 1972), p. 640.

The war’s fallout: Lady Bird Johnson, A White House Diary (New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1970), pp. 362, 347.

“The only difference”: Halberstam, The Best and the Brightest, p. 640.

“Now is indeed”: Johnson, A White House Diary, p. 469.

The Liberty reached: U.S.S. Liberty Deck Log, June 1, 1967, Box 529, RG 24, Logs of U.S. Naval Ships and Stations, National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Md.; William McGonagle testimony, Liberty court of inquiry; Dave Lucas’s journal.

Commander McGonagle had hoped: USS LIBERTY msg. 241732Z, May 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

“I can just see”: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 2, 1967.

The celebrity psychic: Eric Pace, “Jeane Dixon, 79, Astrologer Claiming Psychic Power, Dies,” New York Times, Jan. 27, 1997, p. B11; Jeane Dixon letter to Jim Ennes, Jr., Oct. 30, 1974.

“Everybody is speculating”: John Scott letter to parents, May 31, 1967.

Marine Staff Sergeant Bryce Lockwood: Bryce Lockwood interviews with author, April 4, 2007, and Sept. 7, 2008; Dave Lewis interview with author, April 10, 2007; Dave Lewis e-mails to author, Sept. 9, 2008; Robert L. Wilson oral history interview with Robert D. Farley, Henry F. Schorreck, and Henry Millington, May 6, 1980, www.nsa.gov; Birchard Fossett oral history interview with Robert D. Farley, May 15, 1980, www.nsa.gov; Birchard Fossett interview with author, Feb. 19, 2008.

McGonagle’s new orders: JCS msg. 011545Z, June 1967, Report of the JCS Fact Finding Team, USS Liberty Incident, June 8, 1967. The Navy often uses nautical miles, which are slightly longer than regular miles. For the purposes of this book, I have listed everything simply as miles. The differences are negligible and have no bearing on the outcome of events.

McGonagle ordered: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 2, 1967.

The Liberty overtook: USS LIBERTY msg. 022108Z, June 1967, Liberty court of inquiry.

“Shep was like”: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 2, 1967.

President Johnson crawled: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 4, 1967, Box 11, The President’s Daily Diary, LBJL.

America had set: Buckley, “Casualties of U.S. Rise In Vietnam,” p. 1.

more than 1,400: Richard Witkin, “Johnson, in City, Vows to Maintain Peace in Mideast,” New York Times, June 4, 1967, p. 1; Richard Witkin, “Protests to Greet Visit of President,” New York Times, June 3, 1967, p. 12.

“part Jewish”: Harry McPherson, Jr., oral history interview with T. H. Baker, Jan. 16, 1969, LBJL.

Israel enjoyed: Glenn Frankel, “A Beautiful Friendship?” Washington Post Magazine, July 16, 2006, p. W13; Warren Bass, Support Any Friend: Kennedy’s Middle East and the Making of the U.S.-Israeli Alliance (New York: Oxford University Press, 2003), pp. 4, 30–33, 44–45; Stephen E. Ambrose, Eisenhower: The President, vol. 2. (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1984), pp. 385–87;

“You have lost”: Merle Miller, Lyndon: An Oral Biography (New York: Putnam’s, 1980), p. 477.

“Take care of the Jews”: Michael Karpin, The Bomb in the Basement: How Israel Went Nuclear and What That Means for the World (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2006), p. 243.

“Most, if not”: Remarks of the President to the 125th Anniversary Meeting of B’nai B’rith, Sept. 10, 1968, Box 37, Office Files of White House Aides, Office Files of Harry McPherson, Jr., LBJL.

The nation’s six million: Alan L. Otten, “Politics and People: The Jewish Vote,” Wall Street Journal, June 7, 1967, p. 16; David S. Broder, “Pressure Mounts for U.S. to Assert Pro-Israel Stand,” Washington Post, June 7, 1967, p. A10; William V. Shannon, “U.S. Politics and the Middle East Crisis,” New York Times, June 12, 1967, p. 44.

Johnson surrounded: Douglas Little, “The Making of a Special Relationship: The United States and Israel, 1957–68,” International Journal of Middle East Studies 25, no. 4 (Nov. 1993), p. 573; Steven L. Spiegel, The Other Arab-Israeli Conflict: Making America’s Middle East Policy, from Truman to Reagan (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1985), pp. 128–29; Michael B. Oren, Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East (New York: Oxford University Press, 2002), pp. 111–12.

“it might mean”: McGeorge Bundy oral history interview with Paige E. Mulhollan, Jan. 30, 1969, LBJL.

United Artists: Tom Segev, 1967: Israel, the War, and the Year That Transformed the Middle East, trans. Jessica Cohen (New York: Metropolitan Books/Henry Holt, 2007), pp. 116–18.

“No one who has”: Peter L. Hahn, “An Ominous Moment: Lyndon Johnson and the Six Day War,” in Looking Back at LBJ: White House Politics in a New Light, ed. Mitchell B. Lerner (Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 2005), p. 80.

“Perhaps the best”: “US Help for Israel, 1964–1966,” Nov. 2, 1966, Box 140, National Security File, Country File, Israel, LBJL.

“You don’t have”: Lucy S. Dawidowicz, “Intergroup Relations and Tensions in the United States,” The American Jewish Yearbook 1967, vol. 68, ed. Morris Fine and Milton Himmelfarb (New York and Philadelphia: American Jewish Committee and Jewish Publication Society of America, 1967), p. 80.

viewed Vietnam and Israel: “Jewish War Plea Vexes President,” New York Times, Sept. 11, 1966, p. 4.

“Viet Nam is a serious”: “1968—American Jewry and Israel,” undated, Box 141, National Security File, Country File, Israel, LBJL.

The State Department processed: Dixon Donnelley memo to Dean Rusk, June 2, 1967, Box 193, White House Central Files, National Security–Defense, LBJL.

An estimated 125,000: Maurice Carroll, “Supporters of Israel March Here as the Police Turn Away Arab Group,” New York Times, May 29, 1967, p. 1.

The president had: Lyndon Baines Johnson, The Vantage Point: Perspectives of the Presidency, 1963–1969 (New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1971), pp. 293–97.

Its military: Terence Smith, “Reserve Call-Up Costly to Israel,” New York Times, May 29, 1967, p. 4; Terence Smith, “Israelis in Jerusalem, Often Divided, Unite Calmly to Prepare to Defend City,” New York Times, June 5, 1967, p. 3; “Trenches Cross City Squares,” New York Times, June 3, 1967, p. 9; Michael Bar-Zohar, Embassies in Crisis: Diplomats and Demagogues Behind the Six-Day War, trans. Monroe Stearns (Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1970), pp. 147–48.

The president diverted: Witkin, “Johnson, in City, Vows to Maintain Peace in Mideast,” p. 1.

Abe Feinberg whispered: Miller, Lyndon, p. 480.

He tried to relax: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 4, 1967.

The call came at 4:30 A.M.: Johnson, A White House Diary, p. 520; Hugh Sidey, “The Presidency: Over the Hot Line—the Middle East,” Life, June 16, 1967, p. 24.

At the National Security Agency’s: David Kahn, The Codebreakers: The Story of Secret Writing (New York: Macmillan, 1967), pp. 672–88.

The spy ship: Liberty Deck Log, June 5, 1967.

America had faced: Michael Dobbs, One Minute to Midnight: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and Castro on the Brink of Nuclear War (New York: Knopf, 2008), pp. 184–87.

Richard Harvey and Eugene Scheck: Richard Harvey oral history interview with W. M. Gerhard, H. Millington, and R. D. Farley, July 16, 1980, www.nsa.gov; Eugene Scheck oral history interview with Robert D. Farley and Henry Millington, Aug. 11, 1980, www.nsa.gov; John A. Connell oral history interview with Henry Millington and Bob Farley, Sept. 15, 1980, www.nsa.gov; USS Liberty Chronology of Events, June 8, 1967, www.nsa.gov; Merriwell Vineyard interview with author, Nov. 26, 2007.

Before the Liberty: CINCUSNAVEUR msg. 271052Z, May 1967, Report of the JCS Fact Finding Team, USS Liberty Incident, June 8, 1967.

Concerns increased: CINCUSNAVEUR msg. 051352Z, June 1967, Report of the JCS Fact Finding Team, USS Liberty Incident, June 8, 1967.

“unpredictability”: COMSIXTHFLT msg. 062349Z, June 1967, Report of the JCS Fact Finding Team, USS Liberty Incident, June 8, 1967. Military and government telegrams often were written in all caps and lacked proper punctuation. For the readers ease, I have converted such communications into regular sentence use and added some punctuation.

“I don’t know why”: J. H. King, Jr., Memorandum for the Record, June 9, 1967, Box 111, Liberty Briefing Book, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

“I wouldn’t even let”: Ibid.

“several hundred miles”: William D. Gerhard and Henry W. Millington, Attack on a Sigint Collector, the U.S.S. Liberty, National Security Agency/Central Security Service, 1981, p. 21.

A senior officer: CINCUSNAVEUR msg. 081903Z, June 1967, Box 111, Liberty Briefing Book, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

“Time is getting”: Report of the JCS Fact Finding Team, USS Liberty Incident, June 8, 1967. For additional information, see House Committee on Armed Services, Review of Department of Defense Worldwide Communications Phase I: Report of the Armed Services Investigating Subcommittee, 92nd Cong., 1st sess., May 10, 1971 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1971).

“Looks to me”: Ibid.

CHAPTER 3

While we are not: Walter G. Deeley memo to Louis Tordella, June 14, 1967, www.nsa.gov.

Ensign John Scott assumed: John Scott interviews with author, March 31, 2007, April 1, 2007, and July 29, 2008.

“All this the armed forces”: “Aqaba Gulf Open,” New York Times, June 8, 1967, p. 1.

The night before: James G. O’Connor oral history interview with Bill Gerhard, Henry Millington, Hank Schorreck, and Bob Farley, May 22, 1980, www.nsa.gov.

High above the Liberty: Israel Defense Forces History Department, “The Attack on the ‘Liberty’ Incident, 8 June, 1967,” June 1982. pp. 6–8, IDF Archives; Attack on the Liberty, directed by Rex Bloomstein, Thames Television, 1987.

“It was a gray color”: Attack on the Liberty.

“It made 3 runs”: Dale Larkins’s journal.

“You’re clairvoyant”: John Scott interview with author, March 31, 2007; Scott also described his observations in his testimony before the court of inquiry.

“Maximum effort must”: William McGonagle memo to all OOD/ JOOD/CIC Personnel, June 5, 1967, Liberty court of inquiry.

“primary function”: Liberty Gunnery Doctrine, Liberty court of inquiry.

“Self defense capability”: USS LIBERTY msg. 062036Z, June 1967, Report of the JCS Fact Finding Team, USS Liberty Incident, June 8, 1967.

“With all the excitement”: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 6, 1967.

The corpsmen began sick call: Richard Kiepfer interview with author, Jan. 11, 2007.

Crews prepared: Dave Lucas’s journal.

Down in the engine room: Liberty Engineering Log, June 8, 1967, Liberty court of inquiry.

A faulty steam-line gasket: William McGonagle and George Golden testimony, Liberty court of inquiry.

Research operators: Robert L. Wilson oral history interview with Robert D. Farley, Henry F. Schorreck, and Henry Millington, May 6, 1980, www.nsa.gov.

A single jet: Carl F. Salans, “Report of Attack on U.S.S. Liberty,” July 28, 1967, Box 1798, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB-ISR, NARA; Liberty court of inquiry.

“Where’s our buddy?”: Charles Cocnavitch interview with author, Dec. 10, 2007.

“Would it affect”: Dave Lewis interview with author, April 10, 2007; Dave Lewis e-mails to author, July 31, 2008, and Aug. 1, 2008.

The naval observer: Israel Defense Forces History Department, “The Attack on the ‘Liberty’ Incident,” pp. 7–8.

The forty-one-year-old skipper: William McGonagle interview with Tim Frank, Sept. 27, 1997.

The Liberty had changed: Liberty Deck Log, June 8, 1967.

“current situation”: USS LIBERTY msg. 080856Z, June 1967, Report of the JCS Fact Finding Team, USS Liberty Incident, June 8, 1967; Dave Lewis e-mail to author, Aug. 5, 2008.

At the start of the drill: William McGonagle testimony, Liberty court of inquiry; Liberty Deck Log, June 8, 1967.

Dale Larkins: Dale Larkins interview with author, Sept. 10, 2007.

Bryce Lockwood: Bryce Lockwood interview with author, April 4, 2007; Bryce Lockwood e-mail to author, Aug. 5, 2008.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Dennis Eikleberry: Dennis Eikleberry interview with author, March 22, 2007.

Ensign Scott: John Scott interview with author, March 31, 2007.

Ensign Dave Lucas: Dave Lucas interview with author, April 25, 2007.

Dr. Richard Kiepfer: Richard Kiepfer interview with author, Jan. 11, 2007.

McGonagle remained: William McGonagle and Lloyd Painter testimonies, Liberty court of inquiry.

Ensign Patrick O’Malley: Patrick O’Malley interview with author, Nov. 26, 2007.

“We’ve got three”: Lloyd Painter interview with author, March 1, 2007.

“You’d better call”: Lloyd Painter testimony, Liberty court of inquiry.

Painter watched: Ibid.; Lloyd Painter interview with author, March 1, 2007; Lloyd Painter e-mails to author, Aug. 5, 2008; Rick Aimetti interview with author, Dec. 20, 2007.

The fighters zeroed: Lloyd Painter and Patrick O’Malley testimony, Liberty court of inquiry; Patrick O’Malley interview with author, Nov. 26, 2007. Some Israeli sources have disputed the use of rockets during the air attack, stating that the shell holes resulted from 30-mm cannons. Numerous Liberty survivors, including William McGonagle, testified before the court of inquiry and in subsequent interviews of Israel’s use of rockets. The finding’s of the Navy’s court of inquiry also described rocket attacks, including the following statement: “Two or more jet aircraft at a time conducted strafing, rocket and incendiary attacks.”

Ennes, who had climbed: Jim Ennes, Jr., e-mails to author, Aug. 22–23, 2008; James M. Ennes, Jr., Assault on the Liberty: The True Story of the Israeli Attack on an American Intelligence Ship (New York: Random House, 1979), pp. 61–62.

The skipper: Patrick O’Malley interview with author, Nov. 26, 2007; Patrick O’Malley testimony, Liberty court of inquiry.

One sailor: Larry Weaver e-mails to author, Aug. 7, 2008.

McGonagle grabbed: William McGonagle testimony, Liberty court of inquiry.

Below the bridge: Ibid.; Patrick O’Malley interview with author, Nov. 26, 2007; William McGonagle letter to Weetie Armstrong, June 13, 1967, Box 3, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

O’Connor lay: James G. O’Connor oral history interview with Bill Gerhard, Henry Millington, Hank Schorreck, and Bob Farley, May 22, 1980, www.nsa.gov; Sandy O’Connor Jackson interview with author, Nov. 30, 2007; Sandy O’Connor Jackson e-mails to author, Aug. 11, 2008; Patrick O’Malley interview with author, Nov. 26, 2007.

Lieutenant Stephen Toth: Patrick O’Malley interview with author, Nov. 26, 2007; Josie Toth Linen interview with author, Aug. 6, 2008.

CHAPTER 4

Primary cause of death: Richard Kiepfer testimony, Liberty court of inquiry.

Ensign John Scott strode: John Scott interviews with author, March 31, 2007, April 1, 2007, and Aug. 7, 2008.

Down in the engine room: Richard Brooks interviews with author, Nov. 14, 2007, and Aug. 8, 2008; Gary Brummett interviews with author, June 26, 2007, and Aug. 11, 2008.

Petty Officer Eikleberry: Dennis Eikleberry interview with author, March 22, 2007.

Other instructors: Joe Lentini e-mail to author, Oct. 10, 2008.

Dave Lewis: Dave Lewis interview with author, April 10, 2007; Dave Lewis e-mails to author, Aug. 10–11, 2008.

Bryce Lockwood: Bryce Lockwood interview with author, April 4, 2007.

Petty Officer 1st Class Jeff Carpenter: Jeff Carpenter interview with author, Feb. 5, 2008; Jeff Carpenter e-mail to author, Aug. 28, 2008.

“No Arab”: Joe Lentini interview with author, April 6, 2007.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Terry McFarland: Terry L. McFarland oral history interview with William Gerhard, Henry Schorreck, and R. D. Farley, June 23, 1980, www.nsa.gov.

Petty Officer 1st Class Joe Lentini: Joe Lentini interview with author, April 6, 2007; Joe Lentini e-mail to author, Aug. 22, 2008.

Shrapnel had broken: Reginald Addington interview with author, Aug. 20, 2008.

“Somebody’s up there”: Ibid.; William D. Gerhard and Henry W. Millington, Attack on a Sigint Collector, the U.S.S. Liberty, National Security Agency/Central Security Service, 1981, p. 27.

Dave Lewis found: Dave Lewis interview with author, April 10, 2007.

Another young sailor: Bryce Lockwood interview with author, April 4, 2007; Bryce Lockwood e-mail to author, Aug. 17, 2008.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronnie Campbell: Bryce Lockwood interviews with author, April 4, 2007, and Aug. 28, 2008; Mike Allen e-mail to author, Aug. 28, 2008.

Dr. Richard Kiepfer arrived: Richard Kiepfer testimony, Liberty court of inquiry; Richard Kiepfer interviews with author, Jan. 11, 2007, Jan. 27, 2008, Aug. 13, 2008, and Aug. 16, 2008; Thomas Van Cleave interviews with author, May 18, 2007, and Aug. 29, 2008; Sam Schulman interviews with author, May 17, 2007, and Aug. 13, 2008; Frank Spicher interview with author, Jan. 27, 2008; Rick Aimetti interview with author, Dec. 20, 2007; George Wilson interview with author, Feb. 1, 2008; William McGonagle letter to Linda L. Spicher, June 18, 1967, Box 3, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA; Larry Weaver e-mail to author, Aug. 7, 2008.

Petty Officer 2nd Class James Halman: James Halman interviews with author, Jan. 21, 2008, and Aug. 15, 2008; Wayne Smith and Carl Lamkin testimonies, Liberty court of inquiry.

“Any station”: Liberty rough and smooth radio logs as contained in the court of inquiry. I consulted both logs to create this scene. James Halman, who helped prepare the logs, told me that he felt the rough log was a more accurate reflection of the communications that day. For the purposes of this scene, I translated the abbreviated radio codes recorded in the logs into actual speech and fixed puncuation accordingly.

The U.S.S. Saratoga was steaming: U.S.S. Saratoga Deck Log, June 8, 1967, Box 813, RG 24, Logs of U.S. Naval Ships and Stations, NARA. Details of the Saratoga are drawn from Raymond V. B. Blackman, ed., Jane’s Fighting Ships, 1967–68 (London: Sampson Low, Marston, 1967), p. 347; Roger Hall interview with author, Sept. 2, 2008.

Ensign Dave Lucas: Dave Lucas testimony, Liberty court of inquiry; Dave Lucas interviews with author, April 25, 2007, and Aug. 13–14, 2008.

“firefly-like pieces”: William McGonagle letter to Mike Polston with completed questionaire, Dec. 12, 1994, Box 1, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–1999, HIA.

Fifteen miles: William McGonagle testimony, Liberty court of inquiry.

CHAPTER 5

You are authorized: JCS msg. 081416Z, June 1967, Report of the JCS Fact Finding Team, USS Liberty Incident, June 8, 1967.

McGonagle studied: William McGonagle testimony, Liberty court of inquiry.

Dale Larkins climbed: Dale Larkins interviews with author, Sept. 10, 2007, and Aug. 24, 2008.

Up on the bridge: William McGonagle and Dave Lucas testimonies, Liberty court of inquiry.

McGonagle and his signalmen: NAVCOMMUNIT NAPLES msg. 061222Z, July 1967, Box 111, Liberty Briefing Book, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC; Dale Larkins interview with author, Sept. 10, 2007.

On the forecastle: Dale Larkins interviews with author, Sept. 10, 2007, and Aug. 24, 2008.

The starboard machine gun: William McGonagle and Dave Lucas testimonies, Liberty court of inquiry.

The torpedo boats: Details of the torpedo boat come from Blackman, Jane’s Fighting Ships, 1967–68, p. 147.

Down in the engine room: Gary Brummett interview with author, June 26, 2007; Dennis Eikleberry interview with author, March 22, 2007; Jeff Carpenter interview with author, Feb. 5, 2008.

Even if he survived: John Scott interview with author, April 1, 2007; James Halman interview with author, Jan. 21, 2008; Richard Kiepfer interview with author, Aug. 13, 2008; George Wilson interview with author, Feb. 1, 2008.

Up on the bridge: William McGonagle testimony, Liberty court of inquiry; Liberty Deck Log, June 8, 1967.

Eikleberry never heard: Dennis Eikleberry interview with author, March 22, 2007.

Jeff Carpenter who had been: Jeff Carpenter interview with author, Feb. 5, 2008.

When the torpedo exploded: Robert Schnell interview with author, Feb. 1, 2008.

Bryce Lockwood fumbled: Bryce Lockwood interviews with author, April 4, 2007, Aug. 22, 2008, and Aug. 28, 2008; Phillip Tourney interview with author, Aug. 21, 2008.

The torpedo’s explosion: John Scott interviews with author, April 1, 2007, and Aug. 7, 2008.

Chief Petty Officer Brooks: Richard Brooks interviews with author, Nov. 14, 2007, and Aug. 8, 2008; Gary Brummett interview with author, Aug. 30, 2008.

Scott bypassed: John Scott interview with author, April 1, 2007.

Robert Schnell had climbed: Robert Schnell interviews with author, Feb. 1, 2008, and Aug. 23, 2008; Dave Lewis interview with author, April 10, 2007; Phillip Tourney interview with author, Aug. 21, 2008.

Up on the bridge: William McGonagle and Dave Lucas testimonies, Liberty court of inquiry; Liberty Deck Log, June 8, 1967.

Brown stepped back: Dave Lucas testimony, Liberty court of inquiry; Charles Cocnavitch interviews with author, Dec. 10, 2007, and Aug. 28, 2008.

If the Liberty were: William McGonagle, John Scott, and Richard Kiepfer testimonies, Liberty court of inquiry; James Halman interview with author, Jan. 21, 2008; Lloyd Painter interview with author, March 1, 2007; Charles Cocnavitch interview with author, Dec. 10, 2007.

The torpedo boats soon: William McGonagle and Harold Thompson testimonies, Liberty court of inquiry; Liberty Deck Log, June 8, 1967.

The torpedo boats had not: William McGonagle testimony, Liberty court of inquiry; court of inquiry findings of fact; Liberty Deck Log, June 8, 1967.

The only functioning transmitter: James Halman interview with author, Jan. 21, 2008.

An officer jotted: handwritten distress message, Box 2, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA. This message also is reflected in the Liberty’s radio log that is contained in the court of inquiry. There are slight differences between the handwritten draft of the message and the radio log, so I have used my best judgment to reconstruct the message to what I believe is accurate.

In the mess deck: John Scott interviews with author, April 1, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2008; Lloyd Painter interview with author, March 1 2007; Lloyd Painter e-mails to author, Aug. 31, 2008.

Another helicopter: Liberty Deck Log, June 8, 1967; William McGonagle testimony, Liberty court of inquiry; Ernest Castle interview with author, March 28, 2007.

Miles above: Michael Prostinak interviews with author, Sept. 23, 2007, and Aug. 14, 2008; Charles Tiffany interview with author, Feb. 14, 2007; Charles Tiffany e-mails to author, Aug. 1–2, 2008; Marvin Nowicki e-mail to James Bamford, March 3, 2000.

Before the war: William D. Gerhard and Henry W. Millington, Attack on a Sigint Collector, the U.S.S. Liberty, National Security Agency/Central Security Service, 1981, pp. 11–12. Details of the EC-121 are drawn from Martin Streetly, World Electronic Warfare Aircraft (London: Jane’s, 1983), pp. 75–76.

Strapped in the back: Marvin Nowicki e-mail to James Bamford, March 3, 2000; Michael Prostinak interview with author, Sept. 23, 2007.

“Hey, Chief”: Marvin Nowicki e-mail to James Bamford, March 3, 2000.

“Following received”: USS SARATOGA msg. 081235Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

“3 unidentified gunboats”: USS SARATOGA msg. 081237Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

“Under attack”: USS SARATOGA msg. 081245Z, June 1967, Liberty court of inquiry.

“Hit by torpedo”: USS SARATOGA msg. 081254Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

Soviet warships: Neil Sheehan, “Russians Continue to Harass 6th Fleet,” New York Times, June 9, 1967, p. 1.

Martin heard: William Martin undated letter to James Ramage, Box 18.25, James D. Ramage Papers, Emil Buehler Naval Aviation Library, Pensacola, Fla.

“America launch”: COMSIXTHFLT msg. 081250Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

“Your flash traffic”: COMSIXTHFLT msg. 081305Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

On the bridge: Donald D. Engen, Wings and Warriors: My Life as a Naval Aviator (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1997), pp. 318–22; Donald D. Engen oral history interview with Paul Stillwell, Nov. 7, 1994, U.S. Naval Institute, Annapolis, Md. Details of the America come from Blackman, Jane’s Fighting Ships, 1967–68, p. 346.

Tully would later write: Joseph Tully, Jr., letter to Jim Ennes, Jr., May 6, 1981.

Commander Max Morris: Max K. Morris letter to Joseph Tully, Jr., June 19, 1981.

The Saratoga had been ordered: Details of the aircraft come from John C. Fredriksen, Warbirds: An Illustrated Guide to U.S. Military Aircraft, 1915–2000 (Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC-CLIO, 1999), pp. 102, 105.

Intelligence officers: Brad Knickerbocker, “A Former Navy Pilot Recalls the Liberty Incident,” Christian Science Monitor. June 4, 1982, p. 4; Roger Hall interview with author, Dec. 27, 2007.

The Saratoga messaged: USS SARATOGA msg. 081322Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

“We are on the way”: Engen, Wings and Warriors, p. 320.

“Not too large”: Ibid. Also, information on American disbelief that the Soviets had attacked comes from J. C. Wylie, Jr., Q&A with Joseph F. Bouchard, March 28, 1988, and Horacio Rivero, Jr., Q&A with Joseph F. Bouchard, March 10, 1988.

“Defense of”: CTF SIX ZERO msg. 081316Z msg., June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

“Ensure pilots”: COMSIXTHFLT msg. 081336Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

The admiral: COMSIXTHFLT msg. 081337Z, June 1967, www.libertyincident.com.

“You are authorized”: COMSIXTHFLT msg. 081339Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

The Saratoga had estimated: USS SARATOGA msg. 081322Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC; COMSIXTHFLT msg. 081320Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

“Israeli aircraft”: USDAO TEL AVIV ISRAEL msg. 081414Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

“Recall all strikes”: COMSIXTHFLT msg. 081440Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

CHAPTER 6

I just don’t believe: Dean Rusk undated oral history interview XXX with Richard Geary Rusk and Thomas J. Schoenbaum, Dean Rusk Oral History Collection, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia, Athens.

President Lyndon Johnson woke: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 8, 1967.

Johnson had weathered: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 7, 1967.

The morning papers: “Aqaba Gulf Open,” New York Times, June 8, 1967, p. 1; Terence Smith, “Israelis Weep and Pray Beside the Wailing Wall,” New York Times, June 8, 1967, p. 1; Drew Middleton, “Eban Sees Thant,” New York Times, June 8, 1967, p. 1.

Most mornings: McNamara’s routine and description of his office comes from Henry L. Trewhitt, McNamara (New York: Harper & Row, 1971), pp. 14–16; James Carroll, House of War: The Pentagon and the Disastrous Rise of American Power (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2006), p. 227.

Elsewhere, Secretary of State: Dean Rusk Appointment Book, June 8, 1967, Box 4, Papers of Dean Rusk, Secretary of State, 1961–69, LBJL.

In the wooded suburbs: Kahn, The Codebreakers, p. 688.

“You are getting”: Ruth Scott letter to John Scott, June 8, 1967.

At 9:11 A.M.: Charles M. Gettys Memorandum for the Record, June 8, 1967, Box 107 [2 of 2], National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

“The Liberty’s been”: John A. Connell oral history interview with Henry Millington and Bob Farley, Sept. 15, 1980, www.nsa.gov; Eugene Scheck oral history interview with Robert D. Farley and Henry Millington, Aug. 11, 1980, www.nsa.gov.

“USS Liberty has been reportedly”: DIRNSA msg. 081328Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov.

Next the men focused: Louis W. Tordella Memorandum for the Record, June 8, 1967, www.nsa.gov; USS Liberty Chronology of Events, June 8, 1967, www.nsa.gov.

Thirty-eight minutes after: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 8, 1967.

“We have a flash report”: Walt Rostow memo to Lyndon Johnson, June 8, 1967, Box 18, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL.

The president phoned Robert McNamara: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 8, 1967; Harriet Dashiell Schwar, ed., Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, vol. 19, Arab-Israeli Crisis and War, 1967 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2004), p. 362.

“Get me in twenty minutes”: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 8, 1967.

By 10:15 A.M.: unsigned memo, June 8, 1967, Box 18, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL.

“The Liberty is listing”: Walt Rostow memo to Lyndon Johnson, June 8, 1967, Box 18, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL.

“An American ship”: Memo of telephone conversations, June 8, 1967, in Schwar, ed., Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, pp. 366–67.

Nearly six thousand miles away: USDAO TEL AVIV ISRAEL msg. 081414Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File; USDAO TEL AVIV ISRAEL msg. 151615Z June 1967, Liberty court of inquiry; Ernest Castle interview with the author, Feb. 20, 2002.

“Our Defense Attaché”: unsigned memo, June 8, 1967, Box 18, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL; Charles M. Gettys Memorandum for the Record, June 8, 1967, Box 107 [2 of 2], National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

The president ordered: Lyndon Johnson telegram to Alexei Kosygin, June 8, 1967, Box 19, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL.

“in connection with”: Memo of telephone conversations, June 8, 1967, in Schwar, Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, p. 367.

At 11:04 A.M.: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 8, 1967.

Tensions soared: Nicholas Katzenbach interviews with author, April 19, 2007, and Feb. 17, 2009. Clark Clifford with Richard Holbrooke, Counsel to the President: A Memoir (New York: Random House, 1991), pp. 445–46; Rusk, As I Saw It, p. 388; Dean Rusk undated oral history interview XXX with Richard Geary Rusk and Thomas J. Schoenbaum, Dean Rusk Oral History Collection, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia, Athens; Johnson, The Vantage Point, pp. 300–1; Dean Rusk letter to Jim Ennes, Jr., Aug. 12, 1981; Phil G. Goulding, Confirm or Deny: Informing the People on National Security (New York: Harper & Row, 1970), pp. 96–98. Rusk and Clifford both write that the president was in the Situation Room when the message arrived that Israel had attacked the Liberty. The hotline message Johnson sent to Kosygin, informing the Soviet premier of the attack and Israel’s culpability, shows that the president approved it at 11 A.M., six minutes before he arrived in the Situation Room.

At approximately 11:25 A.M.: Dean Rusk telegram 209218 to the American Embassy in Moscow, June 8, 1967, Box 107 [1 of 2], National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

“We were baffled”: Clifford, Counsel to the President, p. 446.

“Israelis do not”: AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV msg. 081510Z, June 1967, Box 114, National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

“We had better”: AMEMBASSY CAIRO msg. 081545Z, June 1967, Box 107 [1 of 2], National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

“Captain Vineyard”: Louis W. Tordella Memorandum for the Record, June 8, 1967. In an interview with the author on Nov. 26, 2007, Merriwell Vineyard said he shared Tordella’s outrage over the discussed plan to sink the Liberty to protect Israel, a proposal he described as “absolutely preposterous.” He summed up the handling of the entire Liberty attack and aftermath with the same description. “When I look back and realize the politics of the situation,” he said, “I don’t know why I would expect anything else.”

Reporters for major: Jack Valenti, A Very Human President (New York: Norton, 1975), pp. 260–61; George Christian, The President Steps Down: A Personal Memoir of the Transfer of Power (New York: Macmillan, 1970), p. 190.

“prisoner in the dock”: George E. Christian oral history interview with Joe B. Frantz, Dec. 4, 1969, LBJL.

A former reporter: David Stout, “George Christian, 75, Aide to President, Dies,” New York Times, Nov. 29, 2002, p. C6.

He started his briefing: White House news conference transcript 866-A, June 8, 1967, Box 19, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL. News conference transcripts normally do not include the names of the reporters.

Across the river: Goulding, Confirm or Deny, pp. 96–106.

Since he learned: Louis W. Tordella Memorandum for the Record, June 8, 1967; USS Liberty Chronology of Events, June 8, 1967, www.nsa.gov.

“Vance states”: CINCUSNAVEUR msg. 081517Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

Like his: Phil G. Goulding oral history interview with Dorothy Pierce, Jan. 3, 1969, LBJL.

“A U.S. Navy”: Goulding, Confirm or Deny, pp. 102–3.

“What attacked it?”: Ibid., pp. 105–6. Goulding’s book does not include the names of the reporters.

CHAPTER 7

You can come out: A. J. Liverman telegram to Lyndon Johnson, June 7, 1967, Box 194, White House Central Files, National Security–Defense, LBJL.

Rusk found it: Rusk, As I Saw It, p. 388; Dean Rusk undated oral history interview XXX with Richard Geary Rusk and Thomas J. Schoenbaum, Dean Rusk Oral History Collection, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia, Athens.

“To Dean Rusk”: “The String Runs Out,” Time, Feb. 4, 1966, pp. 21–26.

Like Rusk, Harman was: Marvine Howe, “Avraham Harman Is Dead at 77; Head of University and Diplomat,” New York Times, Feb. 25, 1992, p. D22.

Rusk told Harman: Dean Rusk telegram 209253 to the American Embassy in Tel Aviv, June 8, 1967, Box 107 [2 of 2], National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL; Avraham Harman telegram 92 to the Foreign Ministry, June 8, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, Israel State Archives, Jerusalem; William D. Wolle interview with author, Dec. 18, 2007; Dean Rusk Appointment Book, June 8, 1967, Box 4, Papers of Dean Rusk, Secretary of State, 1961–69, LBJL.

“Well, there must”: William D. Wolle oral history interview with Charles Stuart Kennedy, March 6, 1991, Front Diplomacy: The Foreign Affairs Oral History Collection of the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

“The implication was clear”: Avraham Harman telegram 92 to the Foreign Ministry, June 8, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

Moments after Harman left: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 8, 1967.

“Hit him hard”: Schwar, Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, p. 371.

The New York Republican: Jacob K. Javits, with Rafael Steinberg, Javits: The Autobiography of a Public Man (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1981), pp. 1–15, 271–90.

“anchor and bastion”: Ibid. p. 271.

“tragic error”: Congressional Record, 90th Cong., 1st sess., June 8, 1967, p. 15261.

“Pooch”: James Janega and Gary Washburn, “Political, Polish and Proud,” Chicago Tribune, Sept. 26, 2002, p. 1.

“It was with heavy heart”: Congressional Record, 90th Cong., 1st sess., June 8, 1967, p. 15131.

The Congressional Record shows: The three other lawmakers who mentioned the Liberty were Senators Robert Kennedy (D-N.Y.), Abraham Ribicoff (D-Conn.), and Frank Lausche (D-Ohio).

Those lawmakers who challenged: Thomas G. Abernethy letter to Jim Ennes, Jr., Jan. 26, 1980, Box 159, Thomas G. Abernethy Collection, J. D. Williams Library, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss.

“neutral in thought”: Schwar, Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, p. 311.

“grotesque”: “The Search for Peace…,” editorial, New York Times, June 6, 1967, p. 46.

“I was appalled”: John P. Roche memo to Lyndon Johnson, June 6, 1967, Box 107 [2 of 2], National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

“There are reports”: Walt Rostow memo to Lyndon Johnson with accompanying statement from Mathilde Krim, June 7, 1967, Box 107 [2 of 2], National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

FBI director: J. Edgar Hoover telegram to the Situation Room, June 6, 1967, Box 107 [1 of 2], National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

Closer to the rally: Thomas L. Johns memo to Marvin Watson, June 8, 1967, Box 193, White House Central Files, National Security-Defense, LBJL.

“There never was”: McGeorge Bundy oral history interview with Paige E. Mulhollan, March 19, 1969, LBJL.

Americans showed that support: “A Million a Minute,” Time, June 16, 1967, pp. 17–18; “‘Give as You Never Gave.’” Newsweek, June 19, 1967, pp. 35–36; Farnsworth Fowle, “Funds for Israel Pouring in Here,” New York Times, June 8, 1967, p. 10; David A. Jewell, “$1 Million for Israel Is Raised Here,” Washington Post, June 10, 1967, p. A13; M. S. Handler, “Donations Pour in for Israeli Fund,” New York Times, June 9, 1967, p. 1; “Jewish Groups Open Drives to Help Israel,” Washington Post, June 6, 1967, p. A12.

“Pro-Israeli letters”: Dixon Donnelley memo to Dean Rusk, June 7, 1967, Box 193, White House Central Files, National Security-Defense, LBJL.

The day of the rally: Dixon Donnelley memo to Dean Rusk, June 9, 1967, Box 108, National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL; Dixon Donnelley memo to Dean Rusk, June 8, 1967, Box 107 [2 of 2], National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

“There should be”: William L. Taylor telegram to Lyndon Johnson, June 6, 1967, Box 194, White House Central Files, National Security-Defense, LBJL.

“As an elected official”: West Suburban Temple Har Zion letter to Lyndon Johnson with petition, May 26, 1967, Box 194, White House Central Files, National Security-Defense, LBJL.

“The entire world”: Harry Miller letter to Lyndon Johnson, June 8, 1967, Box 194, White House Central Files, National Security-Defense, LBJL.

“shaken to the marrow”: Joseph A. Califano, Jr., The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson: The White House Years (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1991), p. 205.

senior White House advisers: Califano, Jr., The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson, p. 205.

“quiet diplomacy”: Hubert Humphrey memo to Lyndon Johnson, June 8, 1967, Box 18, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL.

“under control”: Joe Califano, Jr., memo to Lyndon Johnson, June 7, 1967, Box 193, White House Central Files, National Security-Defense (Gen ND 17 2/20/66), LBJL.

Two hours before: Joe Califano, Jr., memo to Lyndon Johnson, June 8, 1967, Box 18, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL.

Busloads of American Jews: Details of the rally in the park are drawn from Stuart Auerbach, and Jim Hoagland, “Jews and Arabs Rally Here,” Washington Post, June 9, 1967, p. B1; Phil Casey, “The Yarmulke and the Fez in D.C.,” Washington Post, June 9, 1967, p. B1; Irving Spiegel, “Jews in Capital Turn Aid Rally Into a Victory Demonstration,” New York Times, June 9, 1967, p. 10; William Kling, “Jews at Capital Rally Hail News of Truce,” Chicago Tribune, June 9, 1967, p. 6; Fred Barnes, “Israeli Rally Becomes a Celebration,” Evening Star, June 9, 1967, p. A11; Mary McGrory, “Instant Israelization of Lafayette Park,” Evening Star, June 9, 1967, p. A1; “‘Give as You Never Gave,’” Newsweek, June 19, 1967, pp. 35–36.

McNamara and Vance: Goulding, Confirm or Deny, pp. 114–15.

“Can you tell us”: Background briefing transcript, June 8, 1967, Box 12, Office Files of White House Aides, Office Files of George Christian, LBJL.

Across the river: White House news conference transcript 867-A, June 8, 1967, Box 19, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL.

At one point: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 8, 1967.

“I deeply appreciate”: Lyndon Johnson telegram to Alexei Kosygin, June 8, 1967, Box 19, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL.

“10 killed”: Lawrence Baker Situation Room telephone memorandum, June 8, 1967, Box 18, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL.

CHAPTER 8

The mess deck: Lloyd Painter testimony, Liberty court of inquiry.

Dr. Richard Kiepfer: This scene is based on Richard Kiepfer’s testimony before the court of inquiry, and author interviews with Richard Kiepfer (Jan. 11, 2007), John Scott (Jan. 12, 2007, and Sept. 15, 2008), Lloyd Painter (March 1, 2007), Thomas Van Cleave (May 18, 2007), Phillip Tourney (Sept. 5–6, 2007), and Peter Flynn (April 6, 2007); Clyde W. Way oral history interview with Henry Schorreck, William Gerhard, Henry Millington, and Robert Farley, June 8, 1980, www.nsa.gov.

Barely out of his teens: Background on Gary Blanchard is drawn from author interviews with Glenda Phillips (Dec. 6, 2007), Faith James (Oct. 26, 2008), and Dale Larkins (Jan. 13, 2007, and Sept. 10, 2007).

An uneasy calm: This scene is drawn from Dave Lucas, William McGonagle, and Richard Kiepfer testimonies before the Liberty court of inquiry and author interviews with Dave Lucas (April 25, 2007, and Aug. 13, 2008), Dave Lewis interview (April 10, 2007), and Richard Kiepfer (Jan. 11, 2007); Liberty Deck Log, June 8–9, 1967.

“He was so weak”: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 10, 1967.

“The Commanding Officer”: Richard Kiepfer testimony, Liberty court of inquiry.

Her birth announcement: Dave Lucas’s journal.

“The night was”: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 10, 1967.

Ensign Scott had worked: This scene is based on author interviews with John Scott (Jan. 8, 2007, April 1, 2007, July 21, 2008, and Aug. 4, 2008) and Warren Heaney (Jan. 28, 2008).

“One more torpedo”: John Scott letter to parents, June 10, 1967.

Shortly before 6 A.M.: Description of the Liberty’s damage and events the morning of June 9, 1967, are drawn from testimony before the Liberty court of inquiry and the author’s interviews with John Scott (April 1, 2007), Dave Lucas (April 25, 2007), Richard Kiepfer (Jan. 11, 2007), Dennis Eikleberry (March 22, 2007), Jack Beattie (Dec. 27, 2007), Phillip Tourney (Sept. 5–6, 2007), Rick Aimetti (Dec. 20, 2007), Frank Spicher (Jan. 27, 2008), and William Pettyjohn (Feb. 24, 2008).

at 6:27 A.M.: Liberty Deck Log, June 9, 1967.

The Massey’s motor whaleboat: U.S.S. Massey Deck Log, June 9, 1967; U.S.S. Davis Deck Log, June 9, 1967.

A thirty-five-year-old: Peter Flynn interview with author, April 6, 2007.

When news of the attack: John J. Gordon, Peter A. Flynn, and John A. Peck, “A Report on the Medical Aspects of the USS Liberty Incident,” August 1967.

“The reality of”: “Damage to Ship Described,” Evening Star, June 16, 1967, p. A3.

Fifteen of the sailors: Details of the injuries and chronology of the morning rescue efforts come from John J. Gordon, Peter A. Flynn, and John A. Peck, “A Report on the Medical Aspects of the USS Liberty Incident,” August 1967.

McGonagle may have: Ibid.; Peter Flynn interview with author, April 6, 2007; Richard Kiepfer interview with author, Jan. 11, 2007; Lloyd Painter e-mail to author, July 28, 2008.

“Let’s give them three cheers”: Engen, Wings and Warriors, pp. 321–22; Donald D. Engen oral history interview with Paul Stillwell, Nov. 7, 1994, U.S. Naval Institute, Annapolis, Md.

CHAPTER 9

I grieve with you: Ephraim Evron letter to Lyndon Johnson, June 8, 1967, Box 107 [2 of 2], National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

Many of the critical questions: William Beecher, “Israel, in Error, Attacks U.S. Ship,” New York Times, June 9, 1967, p. 1; Fred Farrar, “Israelis Rip U.S. Ship; 10 Men Killed,” Chicago Tribune, June 9, 1967, p. 1; George C. Wilson and Anthony Astrachan, “Envoy Here Apologizes for Attack,” Washington Post, June 9, 1967, p. A1.

“With Israel”: Beecher, “Israel, in Error, Attacks U.S. Ship,” p. 1.

“A miscalculation”: Ibid.

“It certainly wasn’t”: Farrar, “Israelis Rip U.S. Ship,” p. 1.

the committee’s cavernous: Details of the committee’s room are drawn from Joseph C. Goulden, Truth Is the First Casualty: The Gulf of Tonkin Affair—Illusion and Reality (Chicago: Rand McNally, 1969), p. 53.

“The incident was”: Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Executive Sessions of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Together with Joint Sessions with the Senate Armed Services Committee, vol. 19, 90th Cong., 1st sess., 1967 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2006), pp. 705–17.

“consummate skeptic”: William M. Blair, “‘Consummate Skeptic,’” New York Times, Sept. 5, 1971, p. 41.

“horse thieves”: Seymour M. Hersh, The Samson Option: Israel’s Nuclear Arsenal and American Foreign Policy (New York: Random House, 1991), pp. 80–81.

At the Pentagon: Details for this scene are drawn from SECDEF msg. 091812Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC; Goulding, Confirm or Deny, pp. 119–23.

“No countries were informed”: Goulding writes in his memoir that this statement was put out in a press release before the end of the day. His account conflicts with the transcript of the news briefing telegrammed to senior Navy officials that states that the information was provided to reporters during Goulding’s 10:30 A.M. briefing.

“The main issue”: Goulding, Confirm or Deny, p. 123.

George Christian greeted reporters: News conference transcript 868-A, June 9, 1967, Box 19, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL.

at 5:35 A.M.: AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV msg. 090810Z, June 1967, Box 114, National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

President Johnson’s advisers: Meeting Minutes of the Special Committee of the National Security Council, June 9, 1967, Box 19, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL.

“My goodness”: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 9, 1967.

Only hours earlier: USDAO TEL AVIV ISRAEL msg. 091520Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC; Blackman, Jane’s Fighting Ships, 1966–67, p. 76.

The former: McGeorge Bundy oral history interview with Paige E. Mulhollan, Feb. 17, 1969, LBJL.

Clifford’s strong views: A. Jay Cristol, The Liberty Incident: The 1967 Israeli Attack on the U.S. Navy Spy Ship (Washington, D.C.: Brassey’s, 2002), p. 66.

“strong and firm line”: Memorandum from the President’s Special Consultant to the Special Committee of the National Security Council, June 9, 1967, in Schwar, Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, pp. 400–1.

“There is very strong”: Dean Rusk telegram 209964 to Walworth Barbour, June 9, 1967, Box 114, National Security File, Middle East, LBJL.

doodling various: Lyndon Johnson’s handwritten notes, June 9, 1967, Box 22, Handwriting File, Lyndon B. Johnson, May 1967–June 1967 [2 of 3], LBJL.

The president told Roberts: Dan Patir telegram 155 to the Foreign Ministry, June 11, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

“Imagine what would”: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 9, 1967.

CHAPTER 10

I think you know: “Transcript of LBJ’s News Conference,” Washington Post, June 14, 1967, p. A13.

Medical teams on: Details of this scene are drawn from John J. Gordon, Peter A. Flynn, and John A. Peck, “A Report on the Medical Aspects of the USS Liberty Incident,” August 1967; Peter Flynn interview with author, April 6, 2007.

the 1,048-foot carrier: Details of the carrier’s size and crew come from Blackman, Jane’s Fighting Ships, 1967–68, p. 346.

Two days after: Details of the memorial service are drawn from Engen, Wings and Warriors, p. 322; News Release No. 40–67, 66 Responds to Mideast Crisis, Box 709, Press Releases/Briefings, 1967, Post 1 Jan. 1946 Command File, Operational Archives Branch, NHC; J. M. Mahood, ed., United States Ship America, 1967 (Dallas: Armed Forces Publications/Taylor, 1967), pp. 244–45.

The Missouri native: “Retired Admiral, Test Pilot William I. Martin Dies at 85,” Washington Post, April 4, 1996, p. B7; “Vice Adm. W. I. ‘Bill’ Martin, Ava Native, Dies in Virginia,” Douglas County Herald, April 11, 1996, p. 1; “Sixth Fleet Gets New Chief,” New York Times, April 11, 1967, p. 14.

“Unbelievable carnage!!”: William Martin undated letter to James Ramage, Box 18.25, James D. Ramage Papers, Emil Buehler Naval Aviation Library, Pensacola, Fla.

“That ship was under”: This scene is based on press briefing transcript, June 10, 1967, Box 709, Post 1 Jan. 1946 Command File, Operational Archives Branch, NHC; USS AMERICA msg. 152043Z, June 1967, Box 113, Public Affairs Matters, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC. There are some slight variations between these two transcripts that required me to make certain judgments as to accuracy, spelling, and punctuation.

Crews continued the cleanup: Dave Lucas’s journal; Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 11, 1967; John Scott interview with author, July 21, 2008.

To the men on the Davis: William Pettyjohn interview with author, Feb. 24, 2008; John Scott interview with author, July 21, 2008.

The ship’s doctor: CTG SIX ZERO PT FIVE msg. 101750Z, June 67, www.nsa.gov; Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 11, 1967.

“My Dearest Jean”: William McGonagle telegram to Jean McGonagle, June 10, 1967, Box 4, William L. McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

“Honey, I love you”: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 11, 1967.

“I don’t see how”: John Scott letter to parents, June 10, 1967.

“Close to thirty-five boys died”: Dale Larkins letter to parents, June 10, 1967.

“I just don’t”: Ruth Scott letter to John Scott, June 11, 1967.

The fleet tug Papago: U.S.S. Papago Deck Log, June 9–14, 1967.

The 205-foot-long: Details of the Papago’s size come from Blackman, Jane’s Fighting Ships, 1967–68, p. 439; Kit Rushing interview with author, May 10, 2007.

the Papago’s crew trolled: DIRNAVSECGRUEUR msg. 191358Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov; CTG SIX ZERO PT FIVE msg. 092119Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov.

The skipper ordered: Kit Rushing interview with author, May 10, 2007; John Highfill interview with author, Feb. 10, 2008.

At 9:41 A.M.: Papago Deck Log, June 11, 1967.

Highfill noted: John Highfill interview with author, Feb. 10, 2008.

Many of the sailors: Kit Rushing interview with author, May 10, 2007.

“You couldn’t grab”: John Highfill interview with author, Feb. 10, 2008.

a signalman flashed: Dennis Eikleberry interview with author, March 22, 2007.

Searchers spotted: Papago Deck Log, June 12, 1967.

CHAPTER 11

What LBJ didn’t know: Nicholas Katzenbach interview with author, April 19, 2007.

President Johnson suffered: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 9–10, 1967; Harold H. Saunders Memorandum for the Record, Oct. 22, 1968, in Schwar, Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, p. 410.

The barrage of press: News conference transcript 869-A, June 9, 1967, Box 19, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL.

“many mistakes”: “Death on the Liberty,” editorial, New York Times, June 10, 1967, p. 32.

“must disturb”: “American Casualties,” editorial, Washington Post, June 9, 1967, p. A22.

“inevitable”: “Tragedy and Triumph,” editorial, Virginian-Pilot, June 10, 1967, p. 12.

“shocking”: “Shocking Error,” editorial, News and Courier, June 9, 1967, p. 10A.

“far fetched”: “The Big Problems Lie Ahead,” editorial, Shreveport Times, June 11, 1967, p. 2B.

“There was nothing”: Goulding, Confirm or Deny, p. 128.

Within the first twenty-four hours: Orr Kelly, “U.S. Ship’s Toll May Reach 31,” Evening Star, June 9, 1967, p. 1.

news reports: Goulding, Confirm or Deny, pp. 123–24; Darrell Gar-wood, “Israel Vows Amends for Ship Attack,” Washington Post, June 11, 1967, p. A10; Louis Dombrowski, “Israel Offers to Pay Reparations to U.S.,” Chicago Tribune, June 11, 1967, p. 10; “Israel Promises Amends for Attack on U.S. Navy Ship,” Evening Star. June 11, 1967, p. A4.

The White House dialed: Goulding leaves the impression that Johnson made the call to McNamara, though he does not state that specifically. The president’s diary reflects that Johnson made a 12:10 P.M. call to the defense secretary, which McNamara returned at 2:59 P.M.

“close to setting”: Fred Farrar, “Pentagon Reports of Israeli Ship Attacks Termed Curious,” Chicago Tribune, June 18, 1967, p. 16.

“We in the Department”: Goulding, Confirm or Deny, p. 124.

The latest news reports: Seymour M. Hersh, “Toll in Torpedoing of U.S. Ship Put at 33 Killed, 75 Wounded,” Washington Post, June 10, 1967, p. A12.

Rostow possessed: Background on Rostow is drawn from “Yale’s Perfect Freshman,” New York Times, Sept. 15, 1929, p. RP33; Todd S. Purdum, “Eugene Rostow, 89, Official at State Dept. and Law Dean,” New York Times, Nov. 26, 2002, p. C19; Oren, Six Days of War, p. 108; Harold Hongju Koh, “In Memoriam: Dean Eugene V. Rostow,” Yale Law Report 50, no. 2 (Summer 2003), pp. 16–17; Boris I. Bittker, “Eugene V. Rostow,” Yale Law Journal 94, no. 6., (May 1985), pp. 1315–22.

His support of Israel: Thomas Hughes interview with author, May 3, 2007.

“I could never imagine”: Richard B. Parker, ed., The Six Day War: A Retrospective (Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 1996), p. 278.

“complete explanation: Eugene Rostow memorandum of conversation with Avraham Harman, June 10, 1967, in Schwar, Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, p. 419.

“make retribution”: AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV msg. 091115Z, June 1967, Box 108, National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

“The Government of Israel”: Avraham Harman letter to Dean Rusk, June 10, 1967, Box 107 [2 of 2], National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

“cannot simply be”: Dean Rusk draft letter to Avraham Harman, June 10, 1967, Box 108, National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

“At the time”: Dean Rusk letter to Avraham Harman, June 10, 1967, Box 107 [2 of 2], National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

“tragic mistake”: Dean Rusk telegram 210199 to the American Embassy in Tel Aviv, June 11, 1967, Box 1794, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB-ISR, NARA.

At 5:12 P.M.: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 10, 1967.

Built in 1925: Details on the history of the Sequoia are drawn from www.sequoiayacht.com; Blackman, Jane’s Fighting Ships, 1967–68, p. 437.

The president woke: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 11, 1967.

On his own: Johnson, A White House Diary, p. 522.

The Special Committee: Meeting Minutes of the Special Committee of the National Security Council, June 12, 1967, Box 19, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL.

The president: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 12, 1967; Lyndon Johnson’s handwritten notes, June 12, 1967, Box 22, Handwriting File, LBJL.

For every Israeli: Oren, Six Days of War, pp. 305–7.

“People in office”: Harold Saunders interview with author, Oct. 2, 2007.

“Most of us knew”: Lucius Battle interview with author, Nov. 7, 2006.

“There was nobody”: Nicholas Katzenbach interview with author, April 19, 2007.

“vicious”: Ephraim Evron telegram 156 to the Foreign Ministry, June 11, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

“made things easier”: Ibid.

“probably for more use”: McGeorge Bundy memo to President Johnson, June 9, 1967, Box 108, National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

“The Government of Israel”: Avraham Harman letter to Dean Rusk, June 12, 1967, Box 107 [2 of 2], National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

“With 10 men killed”: Harold H. Saunders memo to McGeorge Bundy, June 8, 1967, Box 3, National Security File, Files of the Special Committee of the NSC, LBJL.

“political independence”: Schwar, Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, pp. 80–81.

Two more American fighters: “Power Plant and MiG Field in North Hit by U.S. Planes,” New York Times, June 12, 1967, p. 1.

The unpopular war: Walt W. Rostow memo to Lyndon Johnson, May 25, 1968, Box 35, National Security File, Memos to the President, Walt Rostow, LBJL.

The Middle East war produced: Whitney Shoemaker oral history interview with Dorothy Pierce, Nov. 25, 1968, LBJL.

“During the past ten days”: Dixon Donnelley memo to Dean Rusk, June 14, 1967, Box 109, National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

The week of the attack: Bernard Weinraub, “Allied Unit with U.S. Copters Smashes a Vietcong Battalion,” New York Times, June 16, 1967, p. 16.

“There are lots”: Harold Saunders interview with author, Oct. 2, 2007.

“However outrageous”: Dean Rusk letter to Jim Ennes, Jr., Sept. 10, 1981.

“It was no help”: Nicholas Katzenbach interview with author, April 19, 2007.

“After reviewing”: McGeorge Bundy memorandum for the Record, June 12, 1967, Box 19, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL.

“suggested Harman”: Benjamin H. Read memo, June 16, 1967, Box 19, National Security File, National Security Council Histories, Middle East Crisis, LBJL.

CHAPTER 12

That evening: Dale Larkins letter to parents, June 15, 1967.

The Liberty sailed: Liberty Deck Log, June 14, 1967.

Bandaged crewmembers: Colin Frost, “Strafed Ship Reaches Malta,” Virginian-Pilot, June 15, 1967, p. 6; “Ship Attack Puzzles Pentagon,” Chicago Tribune, June 14, 1967, p. 2.

McGonagle appeared: “‘Liberty’ Reaches Malta Port,” Virginian-Pilot, June 15, 1967, p. 1; William McGonagle interview with Tim Frank, Sept. 27, 1997.

“the colors of the dawn”: “Ship Attack Puzzles Pentagon,” p. 2.

“funnel had more holes”: Frost, “Strafed Ship Reaches Malta,” p. 6.

“shot up as a tin can”: “Unexplained Casualty: U.S.S. ‘Liberty,’” Life, June 23, 1967, p. 29.

Divers slipped into wet suits: John Highfill interview with author, Feb. 10, 2008.

A Maltese harbor pilot: Liberty Deck Log, June 14, 1967.

concocted a cover story: CINCUSNAVEUR msg. 120950Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov.

To prevent the loss: HQ NSAEUR msg., 161530Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov; CTF ONE ZERO ZERO msg. 150200Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov.

Soon after the attack: John Scott interviews with author, April 1, 2007, and July 21, 2008.

“death ship”: Ibid.

“The smell was so bad”: Jack Beattie letter to parents, June 15, 1967.

With drydock now dewatered: Lloyd Painter interview with author, March 1, 2007; Lloyd Painter e-mail to author, April, 11, 2008.

The Navy allowed: HQ NSAEUR msg., 161530Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov.

The men picked: Description of the torpedoed compartments are drawn from interviews with Lloyd Painter (March 1, 2007), Ron Kukal (March 14, 2007), Dennis Eikleberry (Oct. 12, 2006, and March 22, 2007), Don Pageler (July 26, 2007), Robert Schnell (Feb. 1, 2008), and Sam Schulman (May 17, 2007).

“You’d puke”: Robert Schnell interview with author, Feb. 1, 2008.

“When they picked”: Dennis Eikleberry interview with author, March 22, 2007.

“Not just arms”: Don Pageler interview with Joyce E. Terrill, April 25, 1987.

“You knew who”: Sam Schulman interview with author, May 17, 2007.

“Some of the bodies”: Ron Kukal interview with author, March 15, 2007.

Kiefer poured brandy: Richard Kiepfer interview with author, Jan. 11, 2007.

An early status report: USS LIBERTY msg. 150710Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov.

“Twenty remains”: CTF ONE ZERO ZERO msg. 151406Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov.

Press queries swamped: Goulding, Confirm or Deny, p. 124.

“Many rumors and reports”: Ibid., p. 130.

“one of the most intriguing”: Fred Farrar, “Pentagon Reports of Israeli Ship Attacks Termed Curious,” Chicago Tribune, June 18, 1967, p. 16.

The Navy prepped: COMSIXTHFLT msg. 090546Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC; USCINCEUR msg. 081650Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

Afterward staff cabled: USS AMERICA msg. 150657Z, June 1967, Box 113, Public Affairs Matters, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

“At one point”: USS AMERICA msg. 112005Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

“To put it bluntly”: Seymour M. Hersh, “Toll in Torpedoing of U.S. Ship Put at 33 Killed, 75 Wounded,” Washington Post, June 10, 1967, p. A12; USS AMERICA msg. 092225Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

“Mr. Horton’s copy”: CINCUSNAVEUR msg. 111743Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov.

Days before the Liberty’s arrival: CINCUSNAVEUR 110225Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov.

“minimize immediate scrutiny”: AMEMBASSY VALLETTA msg. 161815Z, June 1967, Box 1796, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB-ISR, NARA.

The Navy also barred: CTF ONE ZERO ZERO msg. 170630Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov.

To satisfy the press: CTF ONE ZERO ZERO msg. 150200Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov.

“rigidly controlled”: Ibid.

“to prevent lending credence”: AMEMBASSY VALLETTA msg. 161815Z, June 1967, Box 1796, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB-ISR, NARA.

“Believe that”: CTF ONE ZERO ZERO msg. 150200Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov.

“members of the crew”: CINCUSNAVEUR msg. 120950Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov.

“We were just sitting ducks”: “‘Just Sitting Ducks,’ Sailor Says of Attack,” News and Courier, June 16, 1967, p. 3A.

“That sort of thing”: Dave Lucas letter to parents, June 24, 1967.

“Everything I’ve said”: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 15, 1967.

A court of inquiry: Material in this section, unless otherwise noted, comes from the transcript of the Liberty court of inquiry.

His father had served: “Admiral J. S. McCain Dies on Coast at 61,” New York Times, Sept. 7, 1945, p. 1.

“He combined”: “Admiral McCain,” editorial, New York Times, Sept. 9, 1945, p. 76.

The younger McCain: Information on Admiral John McCain, Jr.’s, personality is derived from Herbert E. Hetu oral history interview with Paul Stillwell, June 5, 1996, U.S. Naval Institute; Joseph C. Wylie, Jr., oral history interview with Paul Stillwell, May 22, 1985, U.S. Naval Institute; John McCain with Mark Salter, Faith of My Fathers (New York: Random House, 1999), pp. 52–96.

“Our staff begged”: Joseph C. Wylie, Jr., oral history interview with Paul Stillwell, May 22, 1985, U.S. Naval Institute; J. C. Wylie, Jr., letter to Joseph F. Bouchard, March 28, 1988.

“It was a little bigger”: Herbert E. Hetu oral history interview with Paul Stillwell, June 5, 1996, U.S. Naval Institute.

Faced with political pressure: Ward Boston, Jr., interview with author, Oct. 11, 2006.

Salvage divers later found: Joy Waldron Jasper, James P. Delgado, and Jim Adams, The U.S.S. Arizona: The Ship, the Men, the Pearl Harbor Attack, and the Symbol That Aroused America (New York: Truman Tally/St. Martin’s, 2001), p. 13.

The rear admiral was the highest-ranking: “23 High Officers Casualties in War,” New York Times, May 7, 1944, p. 34.

“The U.S. Naval Academy”: “June in December,” Time, Dec. 29, 1941, p. 40.

Kidd served as: Wolfgang Saxon, “Isaac C. Kidd, Jr., 79, Admiral and Expert on Maritime Law,” New York Times, July 4, 1999, p. 26; “Navy Hero’s Son to Get Ship,” New York Times, Sept. 7, 1956, p. 5; “New U.S. Destroyer Division,” New York Times, Jan. 2, 1962, p. 5.

Boston had flown fighters: Ward Boston, Jr., interview with author, Oct. 11, 2006.

arriving on board the injured ship: Liberty Deck Log, June 12, 1967.

“Talk about brass”: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 15, 1967.

The wardroom still bore: “Finis,” Newsweek, July 3, 1967, p. 24; Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 16, 1967.

To help the twenty-five-year-old officer relax: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 15, 1967.

Days later: Richard Kiepfer interview with author, Jan. 11, 2007.

Lieutenant Commander William Pettyjohn: William Pettyjohn interview with author, Feb. 24, 2008.

Lieutenant Jim Ennes, Jr.: Jim Ennes, Jr., e-mail to author, Oct. 6, 2008.

Seaman Larry Weaver: Larry Weaver e-mail to author, Sept. 3, 2008.

Lieutenant Jim O’Connor: James G. O’Connor oral history interview with Bill Gerhard, Henry Millington, Hank Schorreck, and Bob Farley, May 22, 1980, www.nsa.gov.

Captain Boston watched men: Ward Boston, Jr., interview with author, Oct. 11, 2006.

“murderous bastards”: Ibid.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles Cocnavitch: Charles Cocnavitch interviews with author, Dec. 10, 2007, and Aug. 28, 2008.

“The barrel basically”: Dale Larkins interview with author, Sept. 10, 2007.

“It was all perfunctory”: John Scott interview with author, April 13, 2008.

“shallow”: Lloyd Painter interview with author, April 13, 2008.

“cursory”: Mac Watson interview with author, April 23, 2008.

“process rather than product”: Patrick O’Malley e-mail to author, April 20, 2008.

The transcript shows: The Liberty inquiry’s lack of depth is particularly apparent when compared to the court of inquiry that examined North Korea’s 1968 seizure of the spy ship U.S.S. Pueblo. The Pueblo inquiry took testimony from more than 100 witnesses, generating more than 3,300 pages of testimony.

never approached within thirty-eight miles: Cristol, The Liberty Incident, p. 267.

James Halman: James Halman interviews with author, Jan. 21, 2008, and Aug. 15, 2008.

Other crewmembers said: This author discovered eleven magnabelt tapes in the Naval Historical Center’s archives containing approximately 2.5 hours of testimony from the Liberty court of inquiry. These are believed to be the only surviving tapes from that investigation. The Navy, which originally attempted to block the release of the tapes, relented after I filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit in federal court. The tapes unfortunately do not cover the portions of testimony that are in dispute. But a comparison of the testimony on the tapes with the court’s printed transcript shows multiple omissions and off-the-record exchanges that are not present in the court’s official transcript. That transcript, according to Adm. John McCain, Jr.’s, orders, was supposed to be a verbatim record.

Lucas submitted: Dave Lucas interview with author, April 25, 2007.

Painter’s testimony: Lloyd Painter interview with author, March 1, 2007; Ward Boston interviews with author, Oct. 11, 2006, and April 21, 2007.

Cocnavitch said: Charles Cocnavitch interviews with author, Dec. 10, 2007, and Aug. 28, 2008.

“Our Navy’s Inquiry”: Isaac C. Kidd, Jr., letter to Jim Ennes, Jr., Oct. 10, 1983.

“The court didn’t seem”: Lloyd Painter interview with author, April 13, 2008.

“That question”: James G. O’Connor oral history interview with Bill Gerhard, Henry Millington, Hank Schorreck, and Bob Farley, May 22, 1980, www.nsa.gov.

CHAPTER 13

Thursday and Friday: George Scott letter to John Scott, June 11, 1967.

“wake of bitterness”: “Sinking the Liberty: Accident or Design?,” Newsweek, June 19, 1967, p. 21.

“questions outnumbered answers”: “Mystery of Attack on U.S.S. ‘Liberty,’” U.S. News & World Report, June 26, 1967, p. 33.

“unexplained casualty”: “Unexplained Casualty: U.S.S. ‘Liberty,’” Life, June 23, 1967, p. 29.

“When the essentials”: “The Liberty,” editorial, Washington Post, June 17, 1967, p. A12.

“puzzling circumstances”: Drew Pearson and Jack Anderson, “Explanations Due on Ship Attack,” Washington Post, June 16, 1967, p. D19.

“No one can figure out”: Ruth Scott letter to John Scott, June 15, 1967.

The Liberty’s chief engineer: George Golden interview with Jim Ennes, Jr., Dec. 3, 1972.

“We were flying”: “Crewmen of ‘Liberty’ Say Attack Deliberate,” Virginian-Pilot, June 18, 1967, p. A13; “Israelis Knowingly Attacked Ship, Navy Reportedly Told,” Evening Star, June 17, 1967, p. A2.

“Because other reporters”: CINCUSNAVEUR msg. 181105Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

“Former Navy skippers”: George C. Wilson, “Liberty Attack Punctured Pentagon Cover,” Washington Post, June 18, 1967, p. C5.

“The Israelis may have”: Seymour M. Hersh, “Israeli Jets Eyed Ship Before Blow,” Washington Post, June 14, 1967, p. A11.

“Couldn’t that skipper”: Wilson, “Liberty Attack Punctured Pentagon Cover,” p. C5.

“Greater precautions”: David Lawrence, “Attack on U.S. Ship Stirs Questions,” Evening Star, June 13, 1967, p. A13.

“rejected the idea”: “Officer Calls It a Mistake,” New York Times, June 18, 1967, p. 20.

Democratic representative Wayne Hays: “Washington Whispers: Why Nasser Offered to Bow Out…Wrong Guess by Hussein…Israel’s ‘Lesson’ to U.S. Generals,” U.S. News & World Report, June 19, 1967, p. 28.

“Israel is suffering”: Congressional Record, 90th Cong., 1st sess. June 14, 1967, p. 15875.

“We can yet redeem”: Congressional Record, 90th Cong., 1st sess. June 15, 1967, p. 15957.

“very dangerous elements”: Ephraim Evron telegram 156 to the Foreign Ministry, June 11, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA; Avraham Harman telegram 285 to the Foreign Ministry, June 18, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

“very reliable journalistic source”: Dan Patir telegram 155 to the Foreign Ministry, June 11, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

“carried out a deliberate attack”: Ibid.

“presented pretty much”: Ephraim Evron telegram 156 to the Foreign Ministry, June 11, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

“We can assume”: Ibid.

“We are facing”: Ibid.

“of the dangers”: Ibid.

“improve our position”: Ibid.

“toned down”: Dan Patir telegram 163 to the Foreign Ministry, June 11, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

“malicious”: “Raid on Ship Deliberate, Some Claim,” Virginian-Pilot, June 13, 1967, p. 12.

“We have made sure”: Dan Patir telegram 115 to the Foreign Ministry, July 11, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

“floating one self-serving rumor”: Goulding, Confirm or Deny, p. 128.

“to make this tragedy”: Ibid., p. 137.

Israeli officials told: Fred Farrar, “Israel Says U.S. Ignored Query on Ships in Area,” Washington Post, June 16, 1967, p. A9.

“urgent confirmation”: Dean Rusk telegram 211695 to the American Embassy in Tel Aviv, June 16, 1967, Box 1796, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB-ISR, NARA.

“No request for info”: AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV msg. 162000Z, June 1967, ibid.

“A personal friend”: Ephraim Evron telegram 160 to the Foreign Ministry, June 11, 1967, 5986/HZ-4, ISA.

Arthur Goldberg: Avraham Harman telegram 607 to the Foreign Ministry, June 16, 1967, 4079/HZ-26.

“clear proof”: Ephraim Evron telegram 193 to the Foreign Ministry, June 13, 1967, 4079/HZ-26.

“Israeli combat orders”: Avraham Harman telegram 245 to the Foreign Ministry, June 15, 1967, 5986/HZ-4, ISA.

Harman told Fortas: Ibid.

“a significant difference”: Ephraim Evron telegram 193 to the Foreign Ministry, June 13, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

Ginsburg advised: Ibid.

“guerrilla war”: Ibid.

“very careful”: Avraham Harman telegram 607 to the Foreign Ministry, June 16, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

“In light of”: Avraham Harman telegram 200 to the Foreign Ministry, June 13, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

CHAPTER 14

His loss: William McGonagle letter to J. C. Toth, June 17, 1967, Box 3, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

McGonagle closed the shutters: Patrick O’Malley interview with author, Nov. 26, 2007; Richard Kiepfer interview with author, Aug. 16, 2008.

Teams of Maltese shipfitters: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 17, 1967.

“Damn, the noise”: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 23, 1967.

“Blast injury to brain”: untitled handwritten notes, Box 3, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

“When the torpedo exploded”: Chronological Record of Medical Care, Box 3, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

“engulfed in flames”: William McGonagle letter to W. Brown, June 18, 1967, Box 3, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

“It is with profound”: William McGonagle letter to Sherry Raper, June 18, 1967, Box 3, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

“He was given”: William McGonagle letter to F. C. Blanchard, June 18, 1967, Box 3, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

“I was wrong about you”: Patrick O’Malley interview with author, Nov. 26, 2007.

“agile mind and sparkling manner”: William McGonagle letter to J. H. Hayden, June 18, 1967, Box 3, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

“contagious enthusiasm”: William McGonagle letter to W. J. Marlborough, June 18, 1967, Box 3, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

“outstanding pride”: William McGonagle letter to Gail Thompson, June 18, 1967, Box 3, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

“competent caterer”: William McGonagle letter to J. C. Toth, June 17, 1967, Box 3, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

“unselfishly let the praise”: Ibid.

“Words alone”: William McGonagle letter to Weetie Armstrong, June 13, 1967, Box 3, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

“The ship was in international waters”: Ibid. McGonagle used the same description in all of his letters.

“May God in His”: Ibid.

The White House would mail: James U. Cross, Around the World with LBJ: My Wild Ride as Air Force One Pilot, White House Aide, and Personal Confidant (Austin: University of Texas Press, 2008), pp. 77–81; James Cross interview with author, April 29, 2008.

“The attached condolence letters”: James Cross memo to Harry McPherson, Jr., June 20, 1967, Box 42, Office Files of White House Aides, Office Files of Harry McPherson, Jr., LBJL.

“It is my”: Harry McPherson, Jr., memo to James Cross, June 26, 1967, ibid.

The deck force unpacked: Dave Lucas’s journal.

Scores of letters: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 20, 1967.

“All our wounded”: John Scott letter to parents, June 19, 1967.

Less than a week: “New Duty for 59 of ‘Liberty,’” Virginian-Pilot, June 24, 1967, p. 4.

“Almost all of the Research people”: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 20, 1967.

Others visited catacombs: Details of crew life in Malta are drawn from Dave Lucas letters to Paula Lucas, July 13, 1967, June 18, 1967, June 28, 1967, and June 25, 1967.

Scott and Painter: John Scott interview with author, July 21, 2008.

Dr. Kiepfer rented: Richard Kiepfer interview with author, Aug. 16, 2008.

The ship’s projector: Dave Lucas letters to Paula Lucas, June 22, 1967, June 24, 1967, and July 7, 1967.

“I just finished counseling”: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 17, 1967.

“I’m O.K.”: Don Pageler postcard to parents, June 16, 1967.

“Please don’t worry”: Dale Larkins letter to parents, June 15, 1967.

“I guess the delayed grief”: Ruth Scott letter to John Scott, July 4, 1967.

“must be a sad place”: Ruth Scott letter to John Scott, June 15, 1967.

“it’s still a great joy”: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 23, 1967.

“I remember just sitting”: Patrick O’Malley interview with author, Nov. 26, 2007.

Scott, Lucas, and Painter: John Scott memo to William McGonagle, June 23, 1967, Box 5, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA; Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 23, 1967.

“It’s just not right”: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 26, 1967.

He bought his officers: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, July 7, 1967.

“The Capt. has changed”: Dave Lucas letter to parents, July 2, 1967.

“Sure hope we will”: William McGonagle letter to Mackie McGonagle, June 20, 1967, Box 4, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

CHAPTER 15

Did 34 Americans die: “Navy Must Explain Order Delay,” editorial, Plain Dealer, June 30, 1967, p. 16.

Ron’s family: Cristol, The Liberty Incident, p. 165.

A South Dakota native: Ernest Castle interview with author, Feb. 20, 2007; Lynn Blasch interview with author, Nov. 13, 2007.

He relayed: Ernest Castle interview with author, March 28, 2007.

The only promising: Edward Gibson Lanpher oral history interview with Charles Stuart Kennedy, June 25, 2002, Front Diplomacy: The Foreign Affairs Oral History Collection of the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

“From information available”: USDAO TEL AVIV ISRAEL msg. 151615Z, June 1967, Liberty court of inquiry.

Rabin aide: USDAO TEL AVIV ISRAEL msg. 181030Z, June 1967, Liberty court of inquiry.

Ron’s probe concluded: Ibid.; Colonel Ram Ron report to Yitzhak Rabin, June 16, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

“appearance of surprise and incredulity”: USDAO TEL AVIV ISRAEL msg. 181030Z, June 1967, Liberty court of inquiry.

“no goddamn sense at all”: Ephraim Evron telegram 304 to the Foreign Ministry, June 19, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

The veteran officer: Mayo A. Hadden, Jr., biography; Mayo A. Hadden III interview with author, May 6, 2008.

“report blandly glosses over”: Mayo A. Hadden, Jr., Memorandum for the Record, June 19, 1967, Box 111, Liberty Briefing Book, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

“public clash”: Ephraim Evron telegram 272 to the Foreign Ministry, June 16, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA; Townsend Hoopes memo to Nicholas Katzenbach and Paul H. Nitze, June 19, 1967, Box 111, Liberty Briefing Book, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

“had made grievous errors”: Mayo A. Hadden, Jr., Memorandum for the Record, June 19, 1967, Box 111, Liberty Briefing Book, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

“Such benefit”: Jerome H. King, Jr., memo to David L. McDonald, June 19, 1967, Box 111, Liberty Briefing Book, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

“The American press”: Avraham Harman telegram 285 to the Foreign Ministry, June 18, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

“There is no doubt”: Ibid.

“I have no doubt”: Avraham Harman telegram 705 to the Foreign Ministry, June 19, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

“We should also”: Ibid.

Harman questioned: Avraham Harman telegram 707 to the Foreign Ministry, June 19, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

“Ron’s investigation”: Avraham Harman telegram 305 to the Foreign Ministry, June 19, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

Ron’s report: Colonel Ram Ron report to Yitzhak Rabin, June 16, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

Israel in fact discovered: Information here comes from Colonel Ram Ron report to Yitzhak Rabin, June 16, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA; Attack on the Liberty, directed by Rex Bloomstein, Thames Television, 1987; Israel Defense Forces History Department, “The Attack on the ‘Liberty’ Incident, 8 June, 1967,” June 1982, pp. 7–8, IDF Archives.

“What is it?”: Israeli historian Ahron Bregman published excerpts of the attackers’ communications in his books Israel’s Wars: A History Since 1947 (New York: Routledge, 2002, pp. 88–90) and A History of Israel (New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2003, pp. 120–22). The Jerusalem Post later published a transcript of the communications, but with slight variations (Arieh O’Sullivan, “Liberty Revisited: The Attack,” Jerusalem Post, June 4, 2004, p. 20). To assist this author, Bregman graciously listened to the tapes again. He confirmed his translations in e-mails on Oct. 3, 2007. To create this scene, I used both Bregman and the Jerusalem Post as sources. When faced with differences between them, I often deferred to Bregman.

seated just a few feet: Cristol, The Liberty Incident, p. 42.

More than twenty minutes: Exact times are difficult to pinpoint given the chaotic nature of combat. The air controller’s statement that he believed the ship was American came at 2:14 P.M., according to the transcript of the recording published in the Jerusalem Post. The Liberty’s deck log recorded the torpedo strike at 2:35 P.M., twenty-one minutes after the identification. Colonel Ram Ron’s report determined that the torpedo attack occurred at 2:40 P.M., twenty-six minutes after the identification. Lieutenant Colonel Yeshayahu Yerushalmi’s follow-up report concluded that the torpedo attack occurred at 2:36 P.M., twenty-two minutes after pilots identified the Liberty.

“At that point in time”: Attack on the Liberty. Shmuel Kislev declined an interview request from this author.

Ron’s report also revealed: The officers were Commander Avraham Lunz in Haifa and Lieutenant Commander Pinchas Pinchasi in Tel Aviv. Lunz declined an interview request from this author. Pinchasi could not be located.

“was camouflage writing”: Colonel Ram Ron report to Yitzhak Rabin, June 16, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA. This author interviewed Yitzhak Rahav in Israel on Oct. 12, 2007. During the interview, Rahav denied testifying in the Israeli court of inquiry or being interviewed by Ron. “I never gave any evidence,” Rahav said. “Never.” Despite his assertion, Rahav is listed as No. 5 on the witness list.

“when he determined”: Avraham Harman telegram 707 to the Foreign Ministry, June 19, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

“military prosecutor insisted”: Avraham Harman telegram 305 to the Foreign Ministry, June 19, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

“This matter has turned”: Ibid.

“It is difficult”: Avraham Harman telegram 323 to the Foreign Ministry, June 20, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

“In the severe situation”: Ibid.

Rather than indict: IDF Spokesman Announcement, 4079/HZ-27, ISA; Harold H. Saunders memo to Walt Rostow and McGeorge Bundy, June 20, 1967, Box 3, National Security File, Files of the Special Committee of the NSC, LBJL.

“Israeli Judge Advocate General”: Nicholas Katzenbach telegram 214682 to the American Embassy in Tel Aviv, June 22, 1967, Box 4, National Security File, Files of the Special Committee of the NSC, LBJL.

The NSA’s second in command: Background on Tordella is drawn from Kahn, The Codebreakers, p. 705; Robert McG. Thomas, Jr., “Louis W. Tordella, 84, Who Helped Break German Military Code in World War II,” New York Times, Jan. 16, 1996, p. B8; Juanita Moody interview with author, Nov. 21, 2007; and Benson Buffham interview with author, Nov. 20, 2007.

“I wryly mentioned”: Louis W. Tordella Memorandum for the Record, June 20, 1967, www.nsa.gov. Tordella remained outraged over the attack on the Liberty for years, convinced that it was no accident. In an interview with this author on Feb. 26, 2007, former NSA director Bobby Ray Inman said Tordella visited him soon after Inman took over as head of the agency in 1977. Tordella, who by then had retired from the NSA, shared his views on the Liberty. Inman said Tordella believed Israel had learned a lesson from the 1956 Suez Canal Crisis when the United States pressured the Jewish state to withdraw from captured territories. “His view was that they didn’t want to run a risk that we would detect exactly what they were going to do and try to bring it to a halt with a lot of pressure before they achieved their objectives,” Inman said. “They knew exactly what the ship was and what it was doing and therefore it was, in his view, a deliberate act to try to protect the plans until they finished what they were going to do.”

“If they are speaking Arabic”: DIRNSA msg. 221454Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov.

Under the question: “Fact Sheet for DIRNSA,” www.nsa.gov.

Information the agency: Edward Koczak interview with author, Jan. 5, 2009.

The NSA director: Bruce Lambert, “Marshall Carter, 83, Intelligence Official and Marshall Aide,” New York Times, Feb. 20, 1993, p. 48.

“It couldn’t be anything else”: Marshall S. Carter oral history interview with Robert D. Farley, Oct. 3, 1988, www.nsa.gov.

“Cy Vance just told me”: Gerard Burke interview with author, Oct. 4, 2007.

“Just looking at the damage”: Allan Deprey interview with author, Nov. 25, 2007.

“We knew it was deliberate”: Oliver Kirby interview with author, Feb. 25, 2007.

“We just couldn’t believe that”: John Morrison interview with author, April 6, 2007.

“an extraordinary lack of concern”: Thomas Hughes memo to Nicholas Katzenbach, June 13, 1967, in Schwar, Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, pp. 474–76.

“stretched all credibility”: Thomas Hughes interview with author, May 3, 2007.

“We were quite convinced”: Thomas Hughes interview with author, April 26, 2007.

“It wasn’t an accident”: William McAfee interview with the author, May 3, 2007.

“They knew damn well”: Granville Austin interview with author, Oct. 3, 2007.

“Our reports were devastating”: William D. Wolle oral history interview with Charles Stuart Kennedy, March 6, 1991, Front Diplomacy: The Foreign Affairs Oral History Collection of the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.; William D. Wolle interview with author, Dec. 18, 2007.

“leave little doubt”: Intelligence Memorandum: The Israeli Attack on the USS Liberty, June 13, 1967, www.cia.gov.

“not made in malice”: Intelligence Memorandum: The Israeli Statement on the Attack on the USS Liberty, June 21, 1967, www.cia.gov.

William Dale: William Dale interview with author, March 27, 2007.

“The Israelis are very”: Heywood Stackhouse interview with author, May 15, 2008.

“Although Israeli authorities”: Robert M. Hathaway and Russell Jack Smith, Richard Helms: As Director of Central Intelligence, 1996–1973 (Washington, D.C.: Center for Study of Intelligence/Central Intelligence Agency, 1993), pp. 145–46.

Vice Admiral Rufus Taylor: “Vice Adm. Rufus Taylor, Retired CIA Deputy, Dies,” Washington Post, Sept. 20, 1978, p. B8.

“To me, the picture”: Rufus Taylor memo to Richard Helms, June 22, 1967, in Hathaway and Smith, Richard Helms, p. 146.

Several agency field memos: CIA Intelligence Information Cable, Turkish General Staff Opinion Regarding the Israeli Attack on the USS Liberty, June 23, 1967; CIA Information Report, [Redacted] Comment on Known Identity of USS Liberty, July 27, 1967; CIA Information Report, Prospects for Political Ambitions of Moshe Dayan/Attack on USS Liberty Ordered by Dayan, Nov. 9, 1967.

“I don’t think there”: Richard Helms oral history interview with Robert M. Hathaway, Nov. 8, 1984, www.cia.gov.

CHAPTER 16

There was a suspicious: Lucius Battle interview with author, Nov. 7, 2006.

Staring had served: Merlin Staring interviews with author, April 17, 2007, and April 25, 2007; Merlin Staring official Navy biography.

The top-secret volume: Liberty court of inquiry.

“The number one paragraph”: Merlin Staring interview with author, April 17, 2007.

“The evidence was clear”: Ward Boston, Jr., affidavit, Jan. 8, 2004. Democratic representative John Conyers, Jr., of Michigan inserted a copy of Boston’s affidavit in the Congressional Record on Oct. 11, 2004.

“That was deliberate”: Joseph C. Wylie, Jr., oral history interview with Evelyn M. Cherpak, Jan. 22, 1986, Naval War College Library, Newport, R.I.

“I have some real”: Merlin Staring interview with author, April 17, 2007.

Court President: Ward Boston, Jr., interview with author, Oct. 11, 2006.

The former secretary: “2 Pentagon Aides Sworn to Posts,” New York Times, July 6, 1962, p. 7; “Vance’s Promotion Approved by Senate,” New York Times, Jan. 28, 1964, p. 19.

spoke in the same: Russell Jack Smith, The Unknown CIA: My Three Decades with the Agency (Washington, D.C.: Pergamon-Brassey’s International Defense Publishers, Inc., 1989), p. 184.

dirty jobs: Thomas Hughes interviews with author, May 3, 2007, and Jan. 4, 2009.

The Pentagon’s fourteen-page: Draft press release, Box 112, Liberty Press Releases, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

“strong Navy non-concurrence”: Mayo A. Hadden, Jr., memorandum to distribution list, June 22, 1967, Box 112, Liberty Press Releases, Immediate Office File of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

McNamara and his civilian analysts: Information on McNamara’s leadership comes from David L. McDonald oral history interview with John T. Mason, Jr., Jan. 24, 1976, U.S. Naval Institute; David C. Richardson oral history interview with Paul Stillwell, March 30, 1992, U.S. Naval Institute; Horacio Rivero, Jr., oral history interview with John T. Mason, Jr., Nov. 12, 1975, U.S. Naval Institute; Thomas H. Moorer oral history interviews with John T. Mason, Jr., Feb. 21, 1975, and April 11, 1975, U.S. Naval Institute.

McDonald knew to keep: Information on David McDonald comes from David L. McDonald oral history interview with John T. Mason, Jr., Nov. 8, 1974, U.S. Naval Institute; Herbert E. Hetu oral history interview with Paul Stillwell, June 5, 1996, U.S. Naval Institute; “Persuasive Admiral,” New York Times, May 7, 1963, p. 22; “Stormy Days for the Navy,” Time, Nov. 15, 1963, p. 37; Jerome King, Jr., interview with author, Feb. 6, 2008.

“probably the best Defense Secretary ever”: “Stormy Days for the Navy,” Time, Nov. 15, 1963, p. 37.

“I have more influence”: Herbert E. Hetu oral history interview with Paul Stillwell, June 5, 1996, U.S. Naval Institute.

“Was there any”: David L. McDonald’s Comments/Recommended Changes on Liberty Press Release, June 22, 1967, Box 112, Liberty Press Releases, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

“I think that much”: Ibid.

“Unfortunately, although Mr. Fryklund”: Mayo A. Hadden, Jr., memo to Jerome H. King, Jr., June 22, 1967, ibid.

“suggested deletions”: Horacio Rivero, Jr.,’s Recommended Changes on Liberty Release, ibid.

“I see no reason”: David L. McDonald’s Comments/Recommended Changes on Liberty Press Release—1300, June 23 version, ibid.

“We have no business”: Isaac C. Kidd, Jr., memo to David L. McDonald, June 21, 1967, Box 111, Liberty Briefing Book, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

“I still do not agree”: David L. McDonald’s Comments/Recommended Changes on Liberty Press Release—1300, June 23 version, Box 112, Liberty Press Releases, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

“It certainly was not”: Jerome King, Jr., interview with author, Feb. 6, 2008.

“One of their big”: Orr Kelly, “Report on Israel Ship Attack a Touchy Task for Pentagon,” Evening Star, June 25, 1967, p. A4.

“You had fine comments”: Jerome H. King, Jr., memo to David L. McDonald, June 26, 1967, Box 112, Liberty Press Releases, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

Major news outlets: Neil Sheehan, “Order Didn’t Get to U.S.S. Liberty,” New York Times, June 29, 1967, p. 1; Fred Farrar, “Delay in Navy Message Bared in Israeli Attack on U.S. Ship,” Chicago Tribune, June 29, 1967, p. 1; “Liberty Move Order Delayed,” Dallas Morning News, June 29, 1967, p. 1.

“ironic twist”: George C. Wilson, “The Liberty Got Order Too Late,” Washington Post, June 29, 1967, p. 1.

In follow-up articles: “Firing Accident Thought Cause of 1 Raid on Ship,” Virginian-Pilot, June 30, 1967, p. 1; Charles W. Corddry, “Ghost Gun Bared in Liberty Probe,” Baltimore Sun, June 30, 1967, p. A1; “U.S. Ship Fired on Israelis Before PT Boats Attacked,” Philadelphia Inquirer, June 30, 1967, p. 4.

“had ample opportunity”: “Israelis Dispute Finding That Liberty Flew Flag,” Evening Star, June 29, 1967, p. 1.

“insufficient information”: Fred Farrar, “Delay in Navy Message Bared,” p. 1.

“far fetched”: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, July 6, 1967.

The Washington Daily News: “The USS Liberty Report,” editorial, Washington Daily News, June 30, 1967, p. 30.

“not good enough”: “Not Good Enough,” editorial, Washington Post, June 30, 1967, p. A22.

“fragmentary answers”: “Inquest for Liberty,” Time, July 7, 1967, p. 15.

“more fog”: “Missed Signals Again,” editorial, Chicago Tribune, June 30, 1967, p. 14.

“affront”: “Pentagon Cover-Up,” editorial, Evening Star, June 30, 1967, p. A14.

“One thing at least”: “U.S.S. Liberty,” editorial, National Review, June 27, 1967, p. 673.

“The apologists”: “Observations,” editorial, National Observer, July 3, 1967, p. 10.

“Did the attackers”: “Pentagon Cover-Up,” Evening Star, p. A14.

“The prompt transmittal”: “Not Good Enough,” Washington Post, p. A22.

“shades of Pearl Harbor”: “Missed Signals Again,” Chicago Tribune, p. 14.

“keep digging”: James J. Kilpatrick, “Heroism Aboard the USS Liberty,” Hartford Courant, Aug. 1, 1967, p. 16.

“have become wary”: “The U.S.S. Liberty,” editorial, Baltimore Sun, July 3, 1967, p. A8.

“Still unknown”: “Attack on USS Liberty,” editorial, Edwardsville Intelligencer, July 7, 1967, p. 10.

CHAPTER 17

I have mixed emotions: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, June 22, 1967.

Hosmer had enlisted: “Craig Hosmer Dies; Ex-House Member,” New York Times, Oct. 14, 1982, p. D23; Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774–2005 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2005), pp. 1279–80.

“I do not believe”: Congressional Record, 90th Cong., 1st sess., June 29, 1967, p. 17893.

Like his colleague: Thomas G. Abernethy letter to Jim Ennes, Jr., Jan. 26, 1980, Box 159, Thomas G. Abernethy Collection, J. D. Williams Library, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss.

“This useless”: Congressional Record, 90th Cong., 1st sess., June 29, 1967, pp. 17894–95.

More than sixty: Mayo A. Hadden, Jr., memo to Charles F. Baird, July 20, 1967, Box 112, Liberty Press Releases, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

“The attack on the Liberty”: Dixon Donnelley memo to Dean Rusk, June 23, 1967, Box 17, RG 59, Office of the Executive Secretariat, Middle East Crisis Files, 1967, NARA.

Diplomats at the Israeli embassy: Dan Patir telegram 369 to the Foreign Ministry, June 23, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

“This announcement”: Ibid.

“Our main goal”: Avraham Harman telegram 155 to the Foreign Ministry, June 28, 1967, ibid.

“Do you”: Yitzhak Rabin telegram 158 to Avraham Harman, June 29, 1967, ibid.

News reports: “Israelis Dispute Finding That Liberty Flew Flag,” Evening Star, June 29, 1967, p. 1; “Israel Says It Tried in Vain to Identify the Liberty,” Washington Post, June 30, 1967, p. A17; “Israelis Say Signal by Liberty Caused Mistake in Identity,” New York Times, June 30, 1967, p. 2.

“Nothing intelligible”: Jerome H. King, Jr., Memorandum for the Record, July 6, 1967, Box 111, Liberty Briefing Book, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

“I am convinced”: NAVCOMMUNIT NAPLES msg. 061222Z, July 1967, ibid.

“About 2,000 yards”: Micha Limor, “Israeli Navy Man Describes Attack on the Liberty,” New York Times, July 7, 1967, p. 3. In an interview in Israel with this author on Oct. 14, 2007, Micha Limor defended his account of the attack. He said no one ordered him to write the article, but that he volunteered. He said the story was reviewed by Israeli censors prior to publication.

“wild imagination”: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, July 6, 1967.

The Pentagon ended: CINCUSNAVEUR msg. 301401Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

“Interviews and statements”: Liberty Plan of the Day, July 22, 1967; Liberty Plan of the Day, June 30, 1967.

Maltese workers flooded: Liberty Plan of the Day, July 14, 1967; Dave Lucas’s journal.

“After getting to Norfolk”: Dave Lucas letter to parents, July 5, 1967.

After a month: Dave Lucas letters to Paula Lucas, July 13–14, 1967; Dave Lucas’s journal.

“Everybody on board”: John Scott letter to parents, July 14, 1967.

“USS Liberty has become”: Liberty Plan of the Day, July 14, 1967.

An early morning fire: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, July 9, 1967.

“The new XO”: Dave Lucas letter to Paula Lucas, July 5, 1967.

The task of sorting: Dave Lucas’s journal; John Scott interview with author, June 10, 2008.

“Suggest that failure”: CINCUSNAVEUR msg. 141737Z, June 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

“A favorable determination”: CINCUSNAVEUR msg. 191610Z, June 1967, Box 113, Personal Actions, Casualties, Awards, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

the Pentagon compromised: CNO msg. 211634Z, July 1967, Liberty Incident Message File, NHC.

“This was a dastardly deed”: William F. Allenbaugh letter to Lyndon Johnson, July 8, 1967, Box 1798, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB-ISR, NARA.

“You lost your XO”: Liberty Plan of the Day, June 30, 1967.

CHAPTER 18

Almost as shocking: “Let’s Have All the Facts,” editorial, Shreveport Times. June 18, 1967, p. 2B.

His support for Israel: Clifford, Counsel to the President, pp. 3–25; Douglas Frantz and David McKean, Friends in High Places: The Rise and Fall of Clark Clifford (Boston: Little, Brown, 1995), p. 16; Marilyn Berger, “Clark Clifford, a Major Adviser to Four Presidents, Is Dead at 91,” New York Times, Oct. 11, 1998, p. 1.

“Because of this limitation”: Clifford, Counsel to the President, p. 446.

Clifford submitted: Clark Clifford memo to Walt Rostow, July 18, 1967, Box 115, National Security File, Country File, Middle East, LBJL.

“brief but definitive analysis”: Walt Rostow memo to Lyndon Johnson, July 18, 1967, ibid.

first Washington attorney: Berger, “Clark Clifford, a Major Adviser to Four Presidents, Is Dead at 91,” p. 1.

“an accident of this magnitude”: George Christian letter to Jim Ennes, Jr., Jan. 5, 1978.

“heartbreaking episode”: Johnson, The Vantage Point, pp. 300–1, 304.

“adequate restitution”: Clifford, Counsel to the President, p. 447.

McNamara had flown: McNamara, In Retrospect, p. 283.

“There is a limit”: Clifford, Counsel to the President, p. 447.

Newsweek noted: “A Nation at Odds,” Newsweek, July 10, 1967, pp. 16–17.

“one of the most stressful”: McNamara, In Retrospect, p. 284.

“political disaster”: Ibid.

“took place under”: Bourke Hickenlooper letter to Dean Rusk, June 16, 1967, Box 1799, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB-ISR, NARA.

“We have never gotten”: Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Foreign Assistance Act of 1967: Hearings Before the Committee on Foreign Relations on S. 1872, 90th Cong., 1st sess., July 26, 1967 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1967), pp 266–70. McNamara’s insistence before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the attack was an accident differed from comments made to this author on April 25, 2007. In that conversation, McNamara said he never understood why the Israelis attacked. “I was uncertain at the time what happened. I haven’t seen anything since that adds certainty,” he said. “My basic belief is nobody knows what in the hell happened or why.”

“I found it hard”: Paul C. Warnke oral history interview with Dorothy Pierce, Jan. 17, 1969, LBJL.

“genuine outrage”: Dean Rusk letter to Jim Ennes, Jr., Sept. 10, 1981.

“Secretary’s comments to Brosio”: AMEMBASSY PARIS msg. 171602Z, June 1967, Box 1796, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB-ISR, NARA.

He read the opening: Executive Sessions of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Together with Joint Sessions with the Senate Armed Services Committee, vol. 19, 90th Cong., 1st sess., June 28, 1967 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2006), pp. 754–56.

“I might just say”: Executive Sessions of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Together with Joint Sessions with the Senate Armed Services Committee, vol. 19, 90th Cong., 1st sess., July 11, 1967 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2006), pp. 823–24.

“We have now had”: Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Foreign Assistance Act of 1967: Hearings Before the Committee on Foreign Relations on S. 1872, 90th Cong., 1st sess., July 14, 1967 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1967), pp. 233–34.

Commander McGonagle: Details of the Liberty’s arrival are drawn from the following sources: Dave Lucas’s journal; “‘Liberty’ to Dock Saturday.” Virginian-Pilot, July 28, 1967, p. 29; Clifford Hubbard, “‘Liberty’ Brings in Memories,” Virginian-Pilot, July 30, 1967, p. 1.

“A diverse background”: Unsigned memo, June 21, 1967, attached to William McGonagle’s April 25, 1966, Officer Biography Sheet, Box 111, Liberty Briefing Book, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

The only remnants: DIRNAVSECGRU msg. 191326Z, June 1967, www.nsa.gov.

“He swam through”: Patrick O’Malley interview with author, Nov. 26, 2007.

“Not much was said”: Lloyd Painter e-mail to author, June 8, 2008.

“The arrival here today”: “Welcome, Liberty,” editorial, Virginian-Pilot, July 29, 1967, p. 8.

The day before the Liberty’s arrival: Liberty Plan of the Day, July 28, 1967.

“unprovoked and unexpected”: Hubbard, “‘Liberty’ Brings in Memories,” p. 1.

A team of National Security Agency: USS Liberty msg. 021630Z, August 1967, www.nsa.gov.

The bags: This scene is drawn from John McTighe interview with author, Nov. 19, 2007; Benjamin Cwalina interview with author, Dec. 3, 2007; Benjamin Cwalina oral history interview with Bob Farley, May 9, 1980, www.nsa.gov.

“I remember thinking”: Lloyd Painter e-mails to author, June 8, 2008.

“I made clear”: Ephraim Evron telegram 106 to the Foreign Ministry, Aug. 14, 1967, 4079/HZ-26, ISA.

The Israeli prosecutor: Preliminary Inquiry Decision, 4079/HZ-27, ISA.

Like Ron: Cristol, The Liberty Incident, p. 167.

Yerushalmi ruled: Yitzhak Rahav, the second in command of Israel’s navy in 1967, resigned soon after the attack. An American military attaché in Israel reported his resignation in a memo dated Aug. 22, 1967, speculating that it had to do with the Liberty. Shlomo Erell, the head of the Israeli Navy in 1967, told this author in an Oct. 9, 2007, interview that he demanded Rahav resign: “I actually fired him, but not in a formal way,” Erell said, adding that he told Rehav: “You made a hell of a blunder and you cannot stay.” Rahav refuted that account in an interview with this author on Oct. 12, 2007. He said he resigned over Erell’s incompetence in managing the Navy, not the Liberty.

“It seems likely”: Lucius Battle draft memo to Nicholas Katzenbach, Aug. 18, 1967, in Schwar, Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, pp. 796–800.

“A one-word summation”: Mayo A. Hadden, Jr., memo to Op-06, Aug. 22, 1967, Box 112, Liberty Press Releases, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC.

“A nice whitewash”: Louis Tordella handwritten note, Aug. 26, 1967.

“confirms that there was”: Nicholas Katzenbach interview with author, April 19, 2007.

“My anger and frustration”: Horacio Rivero, Jr., Q&A with Joseph F. Bouchard, March 10, 1988.

“Examining judge laid out”: Dean Rusk telegram to the American Embassy in Tel Aviv, Aug. 31, 1967, Box 1800, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB-ISR, NARA.

His five-page report: Carl Salans memo to Nicholas Katzenbach, Sept. 21, 1967.

“There were a lot of discrepancies”: Carl Salans interview with author, March 6, 2007.

“The Israeli and U. S. Navy accounts”: Leonard Meeker e-mail to author, April 4, 2008.

“How in the name”: Goulding, Confirm or Deny, pp. 133–34.

CHAPTER 19

The average American taxpayer: H. H. Stackhouse letter to J. Owen Zurhellen, Jr., Sept. 9, 1971.

A single casket: “Military Honors,” Washington Post. Aug. 22, 1967, p. A8.

five sailors and one Marine: Mayo A. Hadden, Jr., Memorandum for the Record, Aug. 21, 1967, Box 111, Liberty Briefing Book, Immediate Office Files of the CNO, Operational Archives Branch, NHC; Unclassified Naval Security Group File, U.S.S. Liberty, Post 1 Jan 1946, Command File, Operation Archives Branch, NHC.

“DIED IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN”: In 1982, following requests from Liberty veterans, the government changed the headstone to read: “KILLED USS LIBERTY.”

Race riots: “As Rioting Spread…The Search for Answers,” U.S. News & World Report, Aug. 14, 1967, p. 26.

“guerrilla war”: “Looting, Burning—Now Guerilla War,” U.S. News & World Report, Aug. 7, 1967, p. 23.

“Battlefield, U.S.A.”: Newsweek, Aug. 7, 1967, cover photo and headline.

August 13 poll: Gallup, The Gallup Poll: Public Opinion 1935–1971, vol. 3, 1959–1971, pp. 2075, 2062.

lowest approval rating: “War…Riots…Crime…Taxes: Why Democrats Worry About ’68,” U.S. News & World Report, Aug. 21, 1967, p. 46.

A poll released a week later: Gallup, The Gallup Poll: Public Opinion 1935–1971, vol. 3, 1959–71, p. 2076.

president confided: Johnson, A White House Diary, pp. 565–67.

McNamara, who became: McNamara, In Retrospect, p. 311.

“I have seldom felt”: Johnson, A White House Diary, p. 593.

“satisfied that the strafing”: “The U.S.S. Liberty—Tragedy of Errors,” Newsweek, Aug. 28, 1967, p. 14.

“An Israeli court”: “The Liberty Incident—An Israeli View,” Newsweek, Sept. 4, 1967, p. 11.

Newsweek printed a follow-up: “Why Israel Attacked the Liberty,” Newsweek, May 6, 1968, p. 23.

“Why didn’t the Israelis”: “When U.S. Ship Was Victim of a ‘Shoot First’ Policy,” U.S. News & World Report, May 13, 1968, p. 12.

a preliminary Navy analysis: NAVSCIENTECHINTELCEN msg. 281548Z, June 1967, www.libertyincident.com.

“Is this Government”: Congressional Record, 90th Cong., 1st sess., Aug. 22, 1967, p. 23606.

“The more the case is studied”: Congressional Record, 90th Cong., 1st sess., Sept. 19, 1967, pp. 26082, 26088.

“Inasmuch as American”: Congressional Record, 90th Cong., 1st sess., Oct. 18, 1967, p. 29370.

“The U.S.S. Liberty incident”: Congressional Record, 90th Cong., 1st sess., Oct. 20, 1967, p. A5167.

“Does the gentleman”: Congressional Record, 90th Cong., 1st sess., Nov. 16, 1967, p. 32885.

“provides full”: Congressional Record, 90th Cong., 1st sess., Nov. 17, 1967, pp. 32968–69.

At 10:30 A.M.: Memorandum of conversation about U.S.S. Liberty claims, March 25, 1968.

“incarnated the narrative”: Segev, 1967, p. 262.

“view of the substantial”: Dean Rusk airgram to the American Embassy in Tel Aviv with attached draft note for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dec. 19, 1967; Carl F. Salans memo to Nicholas Katzenbach, March 22, 1968.

“We clearly do not”: Carl F. Salans memo to Nicholas Katzenbach, March 22, 1968.

“accepted in principle”: Memorandum of conversation about U.S.S. Liberty claims, March 25, 1968.

“redouble efforts”: Dean Rusk telegram 136943 to the American Embassy in Tel Aviv, March 27, 1968.

“We think this proposal”: Leonard C. Meeker memo to Nicholas Katzenbach, May 17, 1968; AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV msg. 201115Z, May 1968.

“public airing”: Ibid.

wrote a check: AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV msg. 271505Z, May 1968; Fabian A. Kwiatek memo to Edward G. Boehm, May 31, 1968; AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV msg. 031100Z, May 1968.

two-paragraph press release: Press Statement: Payment of U.S.S. Liberty Death Claims, May 28, 1968.

the United States billed Israel: Walworth Barbour airgram to the State Department, July 6, 1968.

Haaretz ran an article: Walworth Barbour airgram to the State Department, July 23, 1968.

“was motivated”: AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV msg. 061125Z, August 1968.

“totally unacceptable”: Dean Rusk telegram 219537 to the American Embassy in Tel Aviv, Aug. 12, 1968.

Its Foreign Ministry asked: AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV msg. 031130Z, September 1968.

Israel paid the full $3,566,457: State Department airgram to the American Embassy in Tel Aviv with list of claimants, March 18, 1969; Ernest L. Kerley memo to George H. Aldrich, May 5, 1969; “Israel Pays Com pensation Claimed for Men Injured on U.S.S. Liberty,” Department of State Bulletin 60, no. 1562 (June 2, 1969), p. 473.

“evasive”: H. H. Stackhouse memo to Alfred L. Atherton, Jr., Jan. 12, 1971.

“petulant”: Robert H. Neuman memo to J. J. Sisco, Oct. 9, 1969.

“unresponsive attitude”: State Department telegram to the American Embassy in Tel Aviv, July 28, 1970.

secretly offered: Walworth Barbour letter to Alfred L. Atherton, Jr., Aug. 6, 1971.

“The suggested sum”: H. H. Stackhouse memo to Alfred L. Atherton, Jr., Aug. 25, 1971.

Lawmakers and the press: Peter Constable draft memo to David Newsom, Aug. 20, 1979, Jack Anderson, “USS Liberty: Damages Have Never Been Paid,” The Washington Post, July 17, 1977, p. B7.

negotiations stalled again: Harold H. Saunders draft memo to David Newsom, Aug. 12, 1980.

By 1980: Edmund Muskie telegram 315517 to the American Embassy in Tel Aviv, Nov. 26, 1980.

“Since this ship”: William J. Small, “Probe Planned: Did Israel Intentionally Sink U.S. Ship?,” Seattle Times, Sept. 28, 1980, p. A6.

Israel offered: Edmund Muskie telegram 331156 to the American Embassy in Tel Aviv, Dec. 15, 1980; Edmund Muskie telegram 334352 to the American Embassy in Tel Aviv, Dec. 18, 1980.

“had finally closed the book”: Bernard Gwertzman, “Israeli Payment to Close the Book on ’67 Attack on U.S. Navy Vessel,” New York Times, Dec. 19, 1980, p. A1.

“It was not”: Dean Rusk letter to Jim Ennes, Jr., Sept. 10, 1981.

McGonagle sipped coffee: William McGonagle interview with Tim Frank, Sept. 27, 1997.

government offered: Ibid.; William McGonagle letter to Mike Polston with completed questionaire, Dec. 12, 1994, Box 1, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

“Command of a new ship”: “Skipper of USS Liberty Promoted to Captain,” Los Angeles Times, Oct. 12, 1967, p. 25.

Johnson presented: “The Proceedings in Washington,” New York Times, Feb. 2, 1968, p. 6; Max Frankel, “President Urges Patience on War,” New York Times, March 13, 1968, p. 1; “Johnson Warns of ‘Phony Peace,’” New York Times, March 21, 1968, p. 5; Nan Robertson, “Two Soldiers in Same Battle Get Medals of Honor in Rare Double Ceremony,” New York Times, May 2, 1968, p. 5; Nan Robertson, “4 Men Awarded Medals of Honor,” New York Times, May 15, 1968, p. 1.

“Due to the nature”: Jim Cross memo to Lyndon Johnson, May 15, 1968, Box 17, White House Central Files, Medals-Awards, LBJL.

The president instead visited: Lyndon Johnson Daily Diary, June 11, 1968.

“backhanded slap”: Thomas H. Moorer, “Memorandum: Attack on the USS Liberty—June 8, 1967,” Link 30, no. 3, (July–August 1997), p. 3.

“They had been trying”: Findley, They Dare to Speak Out, p. 174.

“I do not feel”: William McGonagle letter to Phillip Tourney, Nov. 5, 1985.

Handwritten notes: Notes regarding the Medal of Honor presentations, Box 6, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA. Barnum and Marm held these ranks at the time the Medal of Honor was awarded.

“When you”: William McGonagle interview with Tim Frank, Sept. 27, 1997.

“Despite continuous”: William McGonagle Medal of Honor Ceremony Program, June 11, 1968, Box 6, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

lowered his head: “Liberty Skipper Gets Medal of Honor,” New York Times, June 12, 1968, p. 4; Fred Farrar, “Honor Hero of Ship Hit in Mid-East War,” Chicago Tribune, June 12, 1968, p. 8.

The $162,608: SECSTATE WASHDC msg. 262224Z, November 1980.

The morning breeze: James Harper, “Retiring ‘Liberty,’ But Mostly Her Men, Honored,” Virginian-Pilot, June 15, 1968, p. 17; Meritorious Awards Presentation Program, June 14, 1968.

the Navy awarded: Liberty Citations, Box 6, William Loren McGonagle Papers, 1947–99, HIA.

“The ship looked good”: Harper, “Retiring ‘Liberty,’ But Mostly Her Men, Honored,” p. 17.

“What I have to say”: Ibid.

The men prepared: Dave Lucas’s journal; Richard Brooks interviews with author, Nov. 14, 2007, and April 6, 2008.

The Pentagon dismantled: Julie Alger, “A Review of the Technical Research Program, 1961–1969”, pp. 132–34.

In December 1970: Stephanie L. Carr letter to author, Nov. 30, 2006.

The few remaining officers: Decommissioning of USS Liberty Program, June 28, 1968; “USS Liberty Decommissioned,” Hartford Courant, June 29, 1968, p. 11C.

Brooks departed last: Richard Brooks interviews with author, Nov. 14, 2007, and April 6, 2008.

EPILOGUE

The men were beaten: Bernard Weinraub, “Pueblo Hearing: The Admirals Listen and Look Away,” New York Times, Feb. 23, 1969, p. E7; Bernard Weinraub, “Pueblo Inquiry Is Told the Crew Yearned for Retaliation by U.S.,” New York Times, Feb. 21, 1969, p. 14; Stuart Russell interview with author, Dec. 12, 2007.

“incalculable”: House Committee on Armed Services, Inquiry into the U.S.S. Pueblo and EC-121 Plane Incidents: Report of the Special Subcommittee on the U.S.S. Pueblo, 91st Cong., 1st sess., July 28, 1969 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1969), p. 1674.

In the more than 500 pages: House Committee on Armed Services, Inquiry into the U.S.S. Pueblo and EC-121 Plane Incidents: Hearings Before the Special Subcommittee on the U.S.S. Pueblo, 91st Cong., 1st sess., March 4, 1969 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1969). The exchange between Moorer and Pike can be found on pages 686–87. Some witnesses were interviewed in executive session for reasons of national security. That testimony is not included in the published hearings.

“If the lessons”: L. M. Bucher, “Remember the ‘Liberty,’” Washington Post, May 18, 1980, p. BW5.

When I interviewed Katzenbach: Nicholas Katzenbach interview with author, April 19, 2007. Katzenbach described his sense of the president’s logic: “His thinking on it was that the more generous they were about admitting a mistake and paying reparations—paying off the families—the easier it would be for the United States to ignore the incident.”

“We failed to let”: Lucius Battle interview outtake from the documentary Dead in the Water, Director Christopher Mitchell, Source Films for BBC, 2002.

“Israel’s leaders concluded”: George W. Ball and Douglas B. Ball, The Passionate Attachment: America’s Involvement with Israel, 1947 to the Present (New York: W. W. Norton, 1992), p. 58.

“national disgrace”: Thomas Brooks interview with author, Feb. 21, 2007.

pilots refusing: Greg Myre, “27 Israeli Reserve Pilots Say They Refuse to Bomb Civilians,” New York Times, Sept. 25, 2003, p. A12.