The Liberty · Episode 4 of 6
The Hand Lamp
10:33 · 8 June 1967 · Subscribers
McGonagle tries to identify Liberty and stop its machine-gun fire while Oren identifies the damaged vessel as Egyptian and his boats launch torpedoes.
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Episodes
- 19:48
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.
- 2Locked
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.
- 3Locked
GTR-5
Air attacks wound McGonagle and set Liberty on fire before a pilot reports its hull marking and Kislev orders the attack stopped.
- 4Playing
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.
- 5Locked
Still Afloat
Liberty refuses Israeli help and leaves under its own power while McGonagle stays in command until American ships arrive.
- 6Locked
The Request
Official findings of error face challenges from McGonagle, other survivors, and later witnesses as records emerge and requests for another investigation continue.
Transcript
8 more scenes need an account.
The bridge of USS Liberty, about 14:20, 8 June 1967
James EnnesCaptain! Boats... three of them. Coming in from the northeast, fast.
William McGonagleHow far off?
James EnnesFifteen miles. Bearing one three five relative.
William McGonagleFifteen. Or ABOUT fifteen?
James EnnesAbout, sir. They're in a wedge. The middle boat is out in front.
William McGonagleWhose are they?
James EnnesCan't tell at this range. No flag I can see.
William McGonagleWrite down the time.
James EnnesFourteen twenty. Near enough.
William McGonagleWe're still on two eight three?
James EnnesTwo eight three, sir. Speed... I can't give you speed. More than five knots, I'd say.
William McGonagleThen that's how it goes in the log. Speed unknown. Believed over five.
William McGonagleAre the planes still with us?
James EnnesThinning out, sir. I think they're finishing.
William McGonagleIs the big flag up?
James EnnesGoing up now. The large one.
William McGonagleKeep your glasses on the lead boat.
James EnnesCould be they're coming to help us, sir.
William McGonagleCould be.
James EnnesThey'll see the flag... won't they?