The Liberty · Episode 1 of 1

The Escort

10:12 · 8 June 1967 · Free

As war begins, McGonagle asks for a destroyer to protect his intelligence ship, but Martin denies the request and promises aircraft if Liberty comes under attack.

William McGonagle

James Ennes

Press play.

0:0010:12

Episodes

1
The Escort
As war begins, McGonagle asks for a destroyer to protect his intelligence ship, but Martin denies the request and promises aircraft if Liberty comes under attack.
Playing
2
The Green Marker
Israeli observers identify Liberty during morning flights, but naval command removes its position marker before reports of shelling send torpedo boats toward Arish.
Soon
3
GTR-5
Air attacks wound McGonagle and set Liberty on fire before a pilot reports its hull marking and Kislev orders the attack stopped.
Soon
4
The Hand Lamp
McGonagle tries to identify Liberty and stop its machine-gun fire while Oren identifies the damaged vessel as Egyptian and his boats launch torpedoes.
Soon
5
Still Afloat
Liberty refuses Israeli help and leaves under its own power while McGonagle stays in command until American ships arrive.
Soon
6
The Request
Official findings of error face challenges from McGonagle, other survivors, and later witnesses as records emerge and requests for another investigation continue.
Soon

Transcript

8 more scenes need an account.

Aboard USS Liberty, 8 June 1967.

William McGonagleI asked what we could do if they came closer.

James EnnesWhat answer would you accept, Captain?

William McGonagleAn answer I can give an order on.

James EnnesWe could turn. But which way? Until we know what they're going to do, I'd only be giving you a course.

William McGonagleAnd if we wait until we know?

James EnnesI wouldn't ask you to wait.

William McGonagleThen give me something else.

James EnnesAnd if there isn't one?

William McGonagleThen we ask for help.

James EnnesA ship?

William McGonagleSomething that can stay with us. Put the request in plain words.

James EnnesRequest a destroyer for protection. Is that enough?

William McGonagleEnough to ask. Send it.

James EnnesYes, Captain.

William McGonagleWill they give us one?

Episodes

The Escort

As war begins, McGonagle asks for a destroyer to protect his intelligence ship, but Martin denies the request and promises aircraft if Liberty comes under attack.

Playing

The Green Marker

Israeli observers identify Liberty during morning flights, but naval command removes its position marker before reports of shelling send torpedo boats toward Arish.

Soon

GTR-5

Air attacks wound McGonagle and set Liberty on fire before a pilot reports its hull marking and Kislev orders the attack stopped.

Soon

The Hand Lamp

McGonagle tries to identify Liberty and stop its machine-gun fire while Oren identifies the damaged vessel as Egyptian and his boats launch torpedoes.

Soon

Still Afloat

Liberty refuses Israeli help and leaves under its own power while McGonagle stays in command until American ships arrive.

Soon

The Request

Official findings of error face challenges from McGonagle, other survivors, and later witnesses as records emerge and requests for another investigation continue.

Soon