The USS Liberty is seen here with a huge torpedo hole in its side at the water line following the Israeli attack. Only the expert seamanship of the ship’s captain saved the vessel as it limped back to port.
WASHINGTON — Forty-five years ago, the USS Libertywas attacked in international waters by Israeli jet fighters and torpedo boats.
The attack killed 34 members of the crew, and wounded 174 more on board. Both US and Israeli governments conducted inquiries about the incident, and decided the attack was a result of Israeli confusion about who the USS Liberty was.
MEMORIAL SERVICE SCHEDULED
Many veterans don’t agree.
This Friday, a USS Liberty memorial service will be held at the graves of the Liberty victims at Arlington Cemetery, in part to remember, but also to accuse.
A Facebook page for the event asks supporters to sign apetition calling for a renewed investigation of the attack. The petition suggests a US government cover-up, noting that the US initally dispatched aircraft to aid the wounded USS Liberty, but say they were later recalled.
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