Betrayed at Sea: The Untold Story of the USS Liberty

Tony Leonard
4 min readDec 13, 2024

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Discover the Untold Story of the USS Liberty
Dive into the shocking events of the 1967 attack on the USS Liberty, a harrowing account of courage, betrayal, and the fight for truth. Learn what survivors endured and the questions that still haunt history. Read the full story for free here: Betrayed at Sea: The Untold Story of the USS Liberty.

USS Liberty

On June 8, 1967, amidst the chaos of the Six-Day War, an event unfolded in the Eastern Mediterranean that continues to haunt history. The USS Liberty, a U.S. Navy intelligence ship, was attacked in international waters, allegedly by Israeli forces. This tragic incident left 34 Americans dead, 171 injured, and a legacy of unanswered questions. Survivors and witnesses recount a story steeped in betrayal, secrecy, and a fight for justice that remains ongoing.

The USS Liberty: A Mission Shrouded in Secrecy

The USS Liberty was a state-of-the-art intelligence-gathering vessel, tasked with monitoring communications during one of the most volatile periods in the Middle East. Its mission promised critical insights for the U.S., yet its crew never anticipated becoming the center of an international crisis. Survivors recall a day that started uneventfully but descended into chaos when their ship came under attack — shockingly, allegedly by their own allies.

The Attack: A Relentless Barrage

The attack on the USS Liberty was devastating and unrelenting. Israeli jets strafed the ship with rockets and napalm, followed by torpedo boats launching multiple rounds. One torpedo struck the ship, causing extensive damage and a significant loss of life. Survivors described enduring gunfire even as they desperately signaled distress. The magnitude of the attack was staggering:

  • Over 5,000 bullets riddled the ship.
  • 25 torpedoes were fired, with one killing 25 men in an instant.
  • Napalm ignited the ship’s decks, leaving survivors with severe burns and injuries.

Despite raising a massive American flag, the assault continued. Survivors recount the sheer terror, the cries of their injured comrades, and their desperate efforts to keep the ship afloat.

Silence and Suppression: The Government’s Role

Perhaps more shocking than the attack itself was the aftermath. Survivors allege that the U.S. government silenced them, swearing them to secrecy and dismissing their accounts as conspiracy theories. The official narrative labeled the incident a tragic accident — an explanation survivors vehemently dispute. Calls for an independent investigation and recognition of their suffering were ignored.

Candace Owens, a prominent commentator, delves into the significance of the USS Liberty tragedy and its suppression in her compelling video. Watch her analysis here, where she highlights the broader implications of government silence on such pivotal events.

One of the most troubling aspects of this ordeal is the alleged betrayal felt by survivors, who claim their government abandoned them. Phillip F. Tourney, a survivor and eyewitness, has been one of the most vocal advocates for justice. His courage in recounting his harrowing experiences underscores the enduring need for accountability. Tourney’s work serves as a reminder that the fight for truth is far from over.

The Lasting Impacts

The attack profoundly affected survivors and their families. Many bear lifelong physical and emotional scars, grappling with PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and a loss of trust in the very institutions meant to protect them. Politically, the USS Liberty incident remains a contentious issue, sparking debates about transparency, accountability, and the ethics of wartime alliances.

The lingering effects extend beyond individual suffering. This tragedy raises critical questions about U.S. foreign policy, the morality of alliances, and the cost of prioritizing political interests over human lives.

A Call for Recognition and Justice

For survivors like Phillip F. Tourney, the fight for recognition is deeply personal. Tourney has dedicated his life to sharing the truth, ensuring the sacrifices of his shipmates are not forgotten. His story is a testament to resilience and the enduring struggle for justice. Explore Phillip F. Tourney’s perspective to understand the firsthand experiences of those who lived through the attack.

Public figures like Candace Owens have amplified the survivors’ voices, urging a full and independent investigation into the attack. Her video sheds light on why this story remains so relevant today.

Closing Thoughts

The USS Liberty incident is more than a historical footnote — it is a cautionary tale about the complexities of war, the fragility of alliances, and the enduring importance of truth and justice. Survivors like Phillip F. Tourney challenge us to confront uncomfortable realities and honor the sacrifices of those who served. Their story compels us to ask difficult questions about the cost of war and the responsibility we owe to those who defend our freedoms.

Let’s ensure the voices of the USS Liberty’s crew are not silenced. Their story deserves to be remembered, their questions deserve answers, and their sacrifices deserve recognition.

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Tony Leonard
Tony Leonard

Written by Tony Leonard

Tony Leonard of Louisville, KY: Digital strategist, author of "The Bourbon Whisperer", a technology and marketing visionary. Connect: 🌐 tonyleonardusa.com.

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