The Attack on the Liberty

by James Scott

  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 real
ity 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 L
BJ 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.