USS Liberty Incident Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary mission of USS Liberty (AGTR-5) during the Arab-Israeli conflict?

  • Conducting humanitarian aid operations
  • Diplomatic negotiations
  • Naval training exercises
  • Intelligence collection (correct)

How many crew members were killed as a result of the attack on USS Liberty?

  • 50
  • 20
  • 34 (correct)
  • 170

Which forces are believed to have attacked USS Liberty on June 8, 1967?

  • Israeli Forces (correct)
  • U.S. Navy
  • Egyptian Air Force
  • Syrian Air Force

What was the extent of the damage caused by the torpedo that hit USS Liberty?

<p>It created a tear-drop shaped hole 39 feet across (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the response from Israel after the attack on USS Liberty?

<p>They expressed deep regret and offered assistance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a continuing debate regarding the attack on USS Liberty?

<p>Whether it was a premeditated strike or a tragic mistake (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many personnel were onboard USS Liberty at the time of the attack?

<p>293 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of vessel attacked USS Liberty after the initial jet fighter assault?

<p>Motor torpedo boats (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Liberty receive after the attack?

<p>The Presidential Unit Citation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for Liberty on 1 June 1970?

<p>It was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which medal was awarded to Lieutenant Commander Philip Armstrong Jr. posthumously?

<p>Navy Cross (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many crewmembers were awarded the Silver Star Medal?

<p>11 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What triggered the Six-Day War on 5 June 1967?

<p>An imminent Arab attack (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which land did Israeli forces capture within three days of the Six-Day War?

<p>Gaza Strip (B), Sinai Peninsula (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What criticism did Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser face before the Six-Day War?

<p>He did not aid Syria and Jordan against Israel (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred in November 1966 regarding Israel and Jordan?

<p>An Israeli military assault resulted in casualties (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Resolution 242 call for regarding nations?

<p>Recognition of the right to live free from threats within secure boundaries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant diplomatic effort was prompted by Resolution 242?

<p>The Camp David Accords. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the USS Liberty's assignment before the attack on June 8, 1967?

<p>Collecting intelligence near Egypt. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How far from the Egyptian coast was USS Liberty ordered to remain?

<p>12.5 miles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aircraft was likely circling the USS Liberty prior to the attack?

<p>Israeli Mirages. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the USS Liberty fire upon during the attack?

<p>A torpedo boat. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the time of the first strafing runs on USS Liberty?

<ol start="1505"> <li>(C)</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What was the hull number of one of the torpedo boats that approached USS Liberty?

<p>206-T. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the Liberty on June 8 at 1528?

<p>Liberty was hit by a torpedo. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was reported by COMSIXTHFLEET at 1530?

<p>Liberty hit by torpedo. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What actions were taken by the Israeli helicopters at 1531?

<p>They tried to rescue men from the water. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Israeli helicopter identify the Liberty as at 1534?

<p>A definitely Egyptian ship. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What assistance was offered by Israeli torpedo boats at 1555?

<p>Assistance was offered but refused. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Hatzor air control request from the helicopter at 1607?

<p>To clarify the nationality of recovered men. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Israeli helicopter pilot fail to recognize?

<p>The ship's hull number significance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the reported attitude of Tel Aviv towards the attack on Liberty?

<p>They expressed deep regret. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the action taken by the U.S. defense attache in Tel Aviv on 8 June 1967?

<p>They declined assistance from Israeli helicopters. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which U.S. Navy ships were sent to assist USS Liberty after the incident?

<p>USS Davis and USS Massey. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How fast did USS Liberty proceed northwest after the incident?

<p>Eight knots. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of Israeli aircraft was reported to have circled USS Liberty during the attack?

<p>Super Frelon helicopter. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which two Soviet ships were involved in the monitoring of USS Liberty?

<p>Soviet destroyers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where did USS Liberty proceed after the incident?

<p>To Malta. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the status of USS Liberty hours after it was attacked?

<p>It maintained steerageway. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which U.S. Navy ship was not involved in the incident surrounding USS Liberty?

<p>USS Nimitz. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When did the USS Liberty arrive at Valletta, Malta for temporary repairs?

<p>14 June 1967 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Commander William L. McGonagle recognized for?

<p>His actions during the attack on 8 June 1967 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the executive officer of the USS Liberty at the time of the attack?

<p>Lieutenant Commander Philip Armstrong Jr. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What medal was awarded posthumously to Lieutenant Commander Philip Armstrong Jr.?

<p>Navy Cross (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of vessel attacked the USS Liberty?

<p>Israeli motor torpedo boat (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of damage was reported on the USS Liberty's bridge?

<p>Gunfire and rocket damage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

On what date did the USS Liberty return from the Mediterranean?

<p>29 July 1967 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the USS Liberty memorial button signify?

<p>A donor's contribution (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Six-Day War

A 1967 conflict between Israel and its neighboring Arab states (Egypt, Syria, Jordan). The war lasted for six days and resulted in a decisive Israeli victory.

USS Liberty

A U.S. Navy ship operating in the Mediterranean Sea in 1967 during the Six-Day War. It was conducting an intelligence gathering mission.

Attack on USS Liberty

The attack on USS Liberty involved two unknown jet fighters (assumed to be Israeli), followed by three motor torpedo boats.

USS Liberty Casualties

The Israeli attack on the USS Liberty resulted in 34 American deaths and 170 casualties.

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International Response

After the USS Liberty attack, Israel apologized and expressed regret but offered assistance which was refused due to the sensitive nature of the ship's mission. Debate on the attack's intent continues.

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Intentional or Accidental?

Some believe the USS Liberty attack was intentional, while others see it as a tragic accident due to negligence or the confusion of war.

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International Waters Safety

The USS Liberty attack, despite the lack of proof of intentional attacking motives, raises concerns about the safety of U.S. ships in international waters.

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Lack of Evidence

Despite the debate on the nature of the attack, no evidence has ever surfaced that the Israelis deliberately attacked what they knew to be an American ship.

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USS Liberty Incident

An incident where the USS Liberty was attacked by Israeli forces during the Six-Day War, resulting in significant casualties.

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Israeli Preemptive Attack on Egypt

A preemptive attack launched by Israel against Egypt during the Six-Day War, aiming to secure its borders and prevent further attacks.

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Palestinian Guerrilla Groups

A Palestinian guerrilla group that operated in the 1960s, primarily against Israel.

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Air Battle with Syria (1967)

An event where the Israeli Air Force destroyed six Syrian MiG fighter jets in an air battle.

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Soviet Intelligence Report (1967)

The Soviet Union's inaccurate report that Israel was planning an invasion of Syria, escalating tensions in the region.

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Gamal Abdel Nasser

The Egyptian President during the Six-Day War who faced criticism for his perceived inaction against Israel.

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UN Forces in the Sinai

The United Nations forces deployed at the Egypt-Israel border in the Sinai Peninsula.

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UN Resolution 242

UN Resolution 242, adopted in November 1967, aimed to establish peace in the Middle East by calling for Israel's withdrawal from territories captured during the Six-Day War in exchange for recognition of Israel's right to exist within secure borders.

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Attack on the USS Liberty

The USS Liberty was an American intelligence ship that was attacked by Israeli forces on June 8, 1967, during the Six-Day War, while operating in international waters off the coast of the Sinai Peninsula.

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Camp David Accords

The Camp David Accords were a series of peace agreements signed between Israel and Egypt in 1978 at Camp David, Maryland, under the mediation of President Jimmy Carter.

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Commander William L. McGonagle

Commander William L. McGonagle was the commanding officer of the USS Liberty during the Israeli attack on the ship on June 8, 1967.

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USS Liberty (AGTR-5)

The USS Liberty was an American intelligence ship tasked with monitoring Soviet naval activities in the Mediterranean Sea.

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Israeli Mirages

The Israeli Mirages were delta-wing single-engine jet fighters that were used by the Israeli Air Force during the Six-Day War.

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Egyptian/United Arab Republic (UAR) coast

The Egyptian/United Arab Republic (UAR) coast was the location where the USS Liberty was operating when it was attacked by Israeli forces on June 8, 1967.

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Initial Misidentification

Israeli forces initially mistook the USS Liberty for an Egyptian ship and attacked it.

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Rescue Effort

Israeli helicopters were sent to rescue men who had jumped into the water from the attacked warship.

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Israeli Response

After identifying the ship as American, Israeli forces offered assistance and expressed regret for the attack.

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Damage to USS Liberty

The USS Liberty was hit by torpedoes and sustained significant damage during the attack.

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Nationality Questions

Israeli forces initially questioned the nationality of the rescued men, indicating suspicion that they had attacked an American or British ship.

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Location of the Attack

The attack on the USS Liberty occurred near a specific location in the Mediterranean Sea.

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Lessons Learned

The incident highlights the importance of accurate identification and communication during military operations.

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What was the USS Liberty's mission?

The USS Liberty was a U.S. Navy ship conducting an intelligence gathering mission in the Mediterranean Sea during the Six-Day War in 1967.

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When and how was the USS Liberty attacked?

The USS Liberty was attacked during the Six-Day War, likely by Israeli forces, on June 8, 1967, resulting in 34 American deaths and 170 casualties.

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What types of attack vehicles were involved?

The attack on the USS Liberty involved two unknown jet fighters, followed by three torpedo boats.

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What was Israel's response to the attack?

After the attack, Israel offered to help the USS Liberty and apologized, but their assistance was declined due to concerns about the ship's sensitive mission.

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Is the USS Liberty attack considered intentional or accidental?

The nature of the attack remains debated. Some believe it was intentional, while others believe it was accidental due to the confusion of war.

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Is there any evidence of intentional attack?

There is no conclusive evidence to suggest the Israeli attack was intentional, despite the ongoing debate.

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What concerns did the USS Liberty attack raise?

The USS Liberty attack highlights concerns about the safety of U.S. ships in international waters, even during times of conflict.

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What happened to the USS Liberty after the attack?

The USS Liberty, after being attacked and damaged, remained afloat and proceeded to Malta with the assistance of two U.S. destroyers.

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What happened to the USS Liberty?

On June 8th, 1967, the USS Liberty was attacked by Israeli forces, resulting in 34 American deaths and 170 casualties.

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What forces attacked the USS Liberty?

The attack on the USS Liberty involved multiple Israeli forces, including aircraft and torpedo boats, inflicting significant damage to the ship.

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Who was the commanding officer of the USS Liberty?

Commander William L. McGonagle, the commanding officer of the USS Liberty, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the attack, demonstrating exceptional leadership and courage.

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Who was the executive officer of the USS Liberty?

Lieutenant Commander Philip Armstrong Jr., the executive officer of the USS Liberty, was killed during the attack and posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery and sacrifice.

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What was Israel's stance on the attack?

Despite the attack, Israel expressed regret and apologized but maintained that the attack was unintentional, claiming the USS Liberty was mistaken for an Egyptian ship.

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Was the attack on the USS Liberty intentional?

The attack on the USS Liberty sparked debate regarding its intentional or accidental nature, as some believe it was deliberate while others argue it was a tragic misidentification.

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What are the takeaways from the USS Liberty attack?

The USS Liberty incident raises important questions about the safety of American ships in international waters and the complexity of wartime situations.

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Study Notes

The Arab-Israeli "Six-Day War" and the Attack on USS Liberty (AGTR-5)

  • The USS Liberty (AGTR-5) was attacked by Israeli forces on June 8, 1967, during the Arab-Israeli War.
  • The ship was operating in international waters in the Mediterranean, conducting intelligence gathering.
  • The attack involved multiple strafing runs by unidentified jet fighters, followed by torpedoes from Israeli motor torpedo boats.
  • The attack resulted in the deaths of 34 U.S. personnel and injuries to 170, aboard the ship.
  • After the attack, Israel expressed regret and offered assistance, but debates remain about whether the attack was deliberate or accidental.

Timeline of Events

  • June 2, 1967: USS Liberty departed Spain, headed for a position near the Egyptian coast.
  • June 8, 0250: The duty officer at United States Navy Europe received instructions for Liberty to move to a 100-mile operating range from coastal areas of Egypt and Israel.
  • June 8, 0950: Liberty was circled by two unidentified delta-wing single-engine jet fighters (likely Israeli Mirages).
  • June 8, 1217: USS Liberty was ordered to be at least 100 miles from UAR and Israel, and 25 miles from Cyprus.
  • June 8, 1505: Liberty was attacked by unidentified jet fighters.
  • June 8, 1525: Israeli motor torpedo boats approached and attacked Liberty firing torpedoes.
  • June 8, 1528: Liberty was hit by torpedoes.
  • The attack left a significant hole in the starboard side of the ship.
  • June 8, 1530: COMSIXTHFLEET was notified that Liberty was hit by torpedoes.
  • June 8, 1539: Israeli helicopters were told to confirm nationality of the downed crewmen.
  • June 8, 1714-8:00 PM Washington time, Israeli aircraft and patrol boats attacked USS Liberty.
  • At that point, after the torpedo boat attack, the ship was recalled to its assigned zone.

Aftermath and Consequences

  • Israel apologized and offered aid after the attack.
  • The USS Liberty was seriously damaged and required repairs.
  • Personnel aboard the ship were injured and some were killed.
  • The attack on USS Liberty remains controversial in terms of its deliberation.

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