Congress has a tradition of honoring our servicemen and women and holding those in power to account for their actions in the numerous military engagements our country has been engaged in. It is a tradition Americans should focus on ever more so when it is NOT followed by Congress. And it WASN’T followed after the USS Liberty attack.
by Joe Meadors
A recent email from my Congressman is undoubtedly being repeated by every Member of Congress.
Cong. Michael Cloud (R-TX27) Honors American KIA During Evacuation
Notice how much honor and reverence the announcement shows for those Killed in Action at the airport in Kabul.
Notice also the use of future tense when referring to the need for accountability.
Compare that to the reaction of Senator Jacob Javits (R-NY). He made the comment on the floor of the Senate on June 8, 1967.
I wish to join with all of my fellow Americans in expressing deep sorrow over the tragic error which resulted in the bombing of a U.S. Navy communications ship off of Sinai this morning, with a reported loss of four American lives and 53 wounded.
Notice that he was declaring the attack to be a “tragic error” before a single word is taken in any investigation of the attack.
Not to be outdone by his colleagues, past and present, Congress has not yet investigated the attack.
If you’re fine with War Crimes being committed against the United States with impunity and without remorse, you’re obviously a Member of Congress so you can go back to lying to your constituents about the attack on our ship and raising money for your reelection campaign.
If it troubles you that those same Members of Congress have allowed War Crimes to be committed against the United States with impunity and without remorse during the attack on our ship, Write Your Congressional Delegation and tell them to investigate the attack on the USS Liberty.
“. . . our nation is indebted to the brave men and women in uniform — and their families — who sacrificed blood and treasure to answer the call of their country. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten.” Congressman Michael Cloud (R-TX27) Email 8/20/2021
by Joe Meadors
Congressman Michael Cloud (R-TX27)
I will be the first to admit that in creating the title for this blog post I am taking the position of my Congressman—Michael Cloud (R-TX27)—grossly out of context.
Indeed, it is exactly opposite what his position is.
Not only his, but a position proudly held by every Member of Congress who served during the attack as well as every Member of Congress who has served since the attack.
The USS Liberty Veterans Association represents the survivors of the June 8, 1967, Israeli attack on the USS Liberty, our families and the families of 34 of our shipmates who were killed in action during that attack.
Among the awards won by the officers and crew of the USS Liberty are the Medal of Honor, two Navy Crosses, eleven Silver Stars, twenty Bronze Stars, nine Navy Commendations, 208 Purple Hearts, 294 Combat Action Ribbons, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Battle Efficiency “E” which makes the USS Liberty the most decorated ship in US Navy history for a single event since the end of World War II.
A dubious honorific the attack on our ship has is it is the only attack on a US Navy ship since the end of World War II NOT investigated by Congress.
The Congressional Research Service took that considerably further when they told us their research did not reveal a single US government investigation of the attack.
CRS Response to Congressional Investigation of USS Liberty Attack
Most Americans share our concern that the US government has not investigated the attack and want to know what they can do to ensure not only the attack is investigated but also the refusal of the US government to investigate the attack.
The simple answer is to Click Here to send a letter to your Congressional Delegation telling them to investigate the attack.
In doing so, you will be a participant in US Navy History. No other crew of a US Navy ship had to lobby the US government to investigate the attack on their ship.
Welcome to everyone who becomes a participant in USS Liberty history. You are joining with a crew that does not know the meaning of defeat.
On June 8, 1967, we defeated the most powerful military in the Middle East.
We now set our sights on defeating an uncaring Congress. You’re invited to join with us.
Silver Star Medal (1) Awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, is cited for gallantry in action that does not warrant a Medal of Honor or Navy Cross. (a) While engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; (b) While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or (c) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. (2) The heroic act(s) performed must render the individual conspicuous and well above the standard expected. An accumulation of minor acts of heroism normally does not justify the award, but unusual or exceptional cases will be decided on their merits. Authorization 10 U.S.C. S6244
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Electronics Technician Third Class James Terry Halbardier, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving on board the U.S.S. LIBERTY (AGTR-5), on 8 June 1967.
Terry Halbardier
The U.S.S. LIBERTY was attacked by Israeli aircraft and motor torpedo boats in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea on the fourth day of the SIX DAY WAR. Petty Officer Halbardier, without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, fearlessly and repeatedly exposed himself to overwhelming rocket and machinegun fire to repair a damaged antenna in an open deck area during heavy aerial attacks.
Aware that all of the ship’s transmitting antennas had been destroyed and that communication with higher authority depended upon antenna repair, Petty Officer Halbardier risked his life to run connecting coaxial cable across open decks from the antenna to the main transmitter room.
His efforts allowed the ship to establish communications with distant elements of the SIXTH Fleet and call for assistance.
Despite being wounded, Petty Officer Halbardier ignored his injuries until the antenna had been repaired and the call for help had been received and acknowledged.
His courageous actions were critical in alerting distant Navy commanders to the ship’s need for assistance and were instrumental in saving the ship and hundreds of lives.
Petty Officer Halbardier’s outstanding display of decisive leadership, unrelenting perseverance, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
USS Liberty Capt. William McGonagle-Medal of Honor Citation
§8291. Medal of honor: The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who, while a member of the naval service, distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty-(1) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; (2) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or (3) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
WILLIAM LOREN MCGONAGLE MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
Sailing in international waters, the Liberty was attacked without warning by a jet fighter aircraft and motor torpedo boats which inflicted many casualties among the crew and caused extreme damage to the ship.
Capt. William McGonagle
Although severely wounded during the first air attack, Capt. McGonagle remained at his battle station on the badly damaged bridge and, with full knowledge of the seriousness of his wounds, subordinated his own welfare to the safety and survival of his command.
Steadfastly refusing any treatment which would take him away from his post, he calmly continued to exercise firm command of his ship. Despite continuous exposure to fire, he maneuvered his ship, directed its defense, supervised the control of flooding and fire, and saw to the care of the casualties.
Capt. McGonagle’s extraordinary valor under these conditions inspired the surviving members of the Liberty’s crew, many of them seriously wounded, to heroic efforts to overcome the battle damage and keep the ship afloat.
Subsequent to the attack, although in great pain and weak from loss of blood, Capt. McGonagle remained at his battle station and continued to command his ship for more than 17 hours.
It was only after rendezvous with a U.S. destroyer that he relinquished personal control of the Liberty and permitted himself to be removed from the bridge.
Even then, he refused much needed medical attention until convinced that the seriously wounded among his crew had been treated. Capt. McGonagle’s superb professionalism, courageous fighting spirit, and valiant leadership saved his ship and many lives.
His actions sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
Robert Lee Wilson, 78, a resident of Edgewater for over 20 years and previously of Severna Park, MD, passed away on August 2, 2021 at the South River Health and Rehabilitation Center from complications of pneumonia and ongoing health and back-related maladies that ultimately took his life.
Born in Big Stone Gap, VA on March 8, 1943, Robert had a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, and a Master’s of Science of Strategic Intelligence degree from the Defense Intelligence College. One of his most profound moments in life was his time spent on the USS Liberty especially June 8th 1967. Robert served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Prior to retiring in the early 2000s, he was a long-tenured employee of the National Security Agency.
In addition to being a sports and physical fitness enthusiast, his greatest hobby and joy was archeology and history. He’d also served many years with the American Research Center in Egypt as its Vice President, and developed a tremendous group of friends he always cherished.
Robert was a loving, caring father and husband. His level of empathy, good common sense, humor and humility knew no bounds. We all were fortunate to have him in our lives.
He is survived by his spouse of over 39 years, My Kieu Wilson; two children, Kevin Wilson and Kelly Gaestel and their respective families.
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Robert’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Saturday August 7 from 2 to 4 pm.
Cong. Michael Cloud (R-TX27) Ignores USS Liberty Survivors’ Requests
There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and timeless as infinity. It is the void, bereft of conscience and patriotism, but not of callousness and hypocrisy. This is the dimension of dystopia. It is an area we call Congress.
by Joe Meadors
Contact a Member of Congress. Any member. Ask if they support the American military. To a person, they will loudly and repeatedly heap their admiration and unwavering adoration on the members of our Armed Forces.
Ask them to give a visible sign of that unwavering support of our American Armed Forces by publicly supporting USS Liberty Survivors’ effort to ensure the US government investigates the attack on their ship.
Silence.
Ask them to express outrage at the fact that machine gun fire from the torpedo boats attacking the USS Liberty deliberately destroyed life rafts USS Liberty crewmen dropped over the side in anticipation of abandoning ship. That action removed any chance USS Liberty crewmen would survive the sinking of our ship.
Silence.
Ask them to express outrage that the President of the United States ordered the rescue effort of the Sixth Fleet to stand down and recall aircraft that had been launched to come to our help.
Silence.
Invite them to attend a Memorial Service honoring our 34 shipmates who were killed in action during the attack.
Silence.
Correspondence from survivors of other attacks on US Navy ships since the end of WWII would be quickly and satisfactorily addressed by their Congressional Delegation.
Not so correspondence from USS Liberty survivors.
How do I know this happens?
Because it is happening to me.
For over 30 years, I have lived in this Congressional District. During that time, I could not elicit any concern about the actions conducted by the forces attacking us and by the President of the United States. Both Democrat and Republican Members of Congress who have represented and are representing me have ever expressed any concern at all about what happened to us.
For those who applaud Congressman Cloud’s policy of ignoring the requests of American Servicemen who survived the War Crimes committed by the Israeli military during the attack on our ship, feel free to express your gratitude by emailing Nicole Beamer at nicole.beamer@mail.house.gov
Hasbara Doesn’t Bring It’s Best and Brightest to Discuss the USS Liberty Attack
It’s no big secret that Israel partisans and their lackeys both inside and outside the Beltway have hoped the Israeli military would have succeeded in its obvious aim of sinking our ship and ensuring no one survived. But we did survive. And have been telling our story for over 54 years. Now that people are listening, the grand Poo-Bah in Hasbara has decided they should become involved. To him we say, bring it on.
By Joe Meadors
Merrian-Webster doesn’t have a definition of “Hasbara” but Wikipedia describes it as a “Public-relations efforts to disseminate, abroad, positive information about the State of Israel and its actions.”
Out of all the members in the Hasbara stable, it’s obvious that @FalconApoda is the only one tasked with engaging on Twitter about the attack on the USS Liberty.
He has to the vast archive of information available to him in Israeli military archives but he has ignored that resource and chosen to go it alone.
Was it his choice? Maybe he just hasn’t gotten the word yet. “Stay away from the USS Liberty!”
“Don’t f*ck met me on this subject, boyo. You’re way over your head.” he warns a Tweeter hoping his lies and propaganda will go unchallenged.
He claims to have done extensive research about the attack but when offered eyewitness testimony from Americans who were there, he dismisses them as “lies.”
Bring it on @FalconApoda.
The most powerful military in the Middle East allied with the President of the United States couldn’t defeat us.
What chance do you and your colleagues in Hasbara have?
It’s been over 54 years since the attack. In the intervening years the US government hasn’t bothered to investigate the attack on our ship. Despite this verifiable fact, Members of Congress have lied to their constituents about the USS Liberty Attack by claiming that numerous investigations of the attack have been conducted by the US government. Now Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer enters the picture and lies to his constituent.
by Joe Meadors
Members of Congress, have you no shame? Did you think we’d allow you to lie about the US government’s investigation of the attack and let you get away with it?
Do Senate ethics rules allow you to lie to your constituency when that lie is easily proven to be just that — a lie?
The US government has never investigated the attack on our ship. This has been verified by the Congressional Research Service, the National Archive and Records Administration as well as the Historians of both the US House of Representatives and the US Senate.
To claim otherwise is admitting you take your talking points not from Americans who were aboard the USS Liberty and who can provide eyewitness testimony but from Israel partisans who have been spreading the lie of multiple US government investigations of the attack for decades.
Senator Chuck Schumer By U.S. Senate Photographic Studio/Jeff McEvoy
I have duplicated below an email received from one of Senator Chuck Schumer’s constituents. In it, he lies to this constituent.
To show Mr. Schumer for the liar he is, we recommend asking him for a copy of the investigations he claims were performed.
Email your Congressional Delegation and have them send you a copy of Congressional Investigation of the Attack. http://bit.ly/2ZxgqTI.They will be unable to provide you with any because it doesn’t exist.
Email your Congressional Delegation and have them ask Congressional Research Service to send a copy of the US government investigation of the attack. http://bit.ly/2JYf29p.The CRS will tell you that they cannot find any reference to a US government investigation of the attack.
Email the Congressional Historians and have them send you a copy of Congressional Investigation of Attack. http://bit.ly/2XrJwXe. Neither Congressional Historian will be able to provide you with a copy of a Congressional investigation of the attack since they cannot find any in the records available to them.
From: Senator Schumer <senator@schumer.senate.gov>
Date: Tue, Jul 27, 2021, 3:07 PM
Subject: A message from Senator Charles E. Schumer
Thank you for contacting me to express your concern with the 1967 attack targeting the USS Liberty. I share your concerns.
The USS Liberty was a technical research ship that belonged to the United States Navy from 1963 to 1968. On June 8, 1967, while conducting an intelligence collection mission near the Sinai Peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea, the ship was mistakenly attacked by Israeli fighter jets and torpedo boats, killing 34 crewmembers and wounding 171 more. Israel-which was in the midst of the Six-Day War against six Middle Eastern countries-apologized for the tragic accident, explaining that the Israeli military had incorrectly identified the USS Liberty to be an Egyptian ship. Inquiries performed by both the Israeli and U.S. governments arrived also concluded that the attack was accidental, caused by Israeli confusion about the ship’s identity.
We must never forget that the freedom enjoyed by so many Americans is possible only because of sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces. Throughout my career, I have been a steadfast supporter of honoring our beloved service members and those who died in the line of duty. That is why I, alongside several of my fellow Senators, sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, urging him to add to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial the names of 74 sailors who were killed while serving aboard the USS Frank E. Evans on June 3, 1969.
Although investigations of the USS Liberty attack and financial compensation to the families of the 34 fallen crewmembers were completed, I will continue to keep your concerns in mind as conversations about potential future probes take place. I will also continue fighting to ensure that all veterans receive the recognition they so greatly deserve, and that the sacrifices they made to protect our country are never forgotten.
Again, thank you for contacting me. Please keep in touch with your thoughts and opinions.
Lorna Beth Stopper-Sister of Duane Marggraf (KIA USS Liberty June 8, 1967
Dodgeville / Fond du Lac – Lorna Beth Stopper, age 78, of Dodgeville, formerly of Fond du Lac, passed away on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at Upland Hills Nursing & Rehab Center in Dodgeville.
She was born on September 30, 1942 in Fond du Lac, a daughter of the late Carlton and Esther (Scheibach) Marggraf. She graduated from Goodrich High School and then Waldorf College in Iowa with an Associate’s Degree in 1963. She then graduated from Marion College in Fond du Lac with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
Lorna lived and worked in San Francisco in the 1960s and moved back to Fond du Lac after her brother PO Duane Marggraf was killed while serving in the US Navy aboard the USS Liberty.
On August 2, 1969, she married Edward Stopper at Immanuel Trinity Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac. He preceded her in death on October 27, 2003.
Lorna spent a majority of her life as an educator with a passion for teaching. In her spare time, she enjoyed crossword puzzles, crocheting, bible studies and especially spending time with family and friends.
Duane Marggraf-KIA USS Liberty June 8, 1967
Lorna is survived by her children Lisa (Dennis) Fenrick of Beloit and Eric (Beth) Stopper of Dodgeville; her grandchildren Benjamin and Genevieve Stopper; her sister Virginia “Ginny” Hoffman of Charleston, SC; nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother and her brother-in-law Bill Hoffman.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 19, 2021 at GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH in Dodgeville. Rev. Mark Williamson will officiate. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until time of services on Monday at the church.
Inurnment will be held at a later date at Estabrooks Cemetery in Fond du Lac.
The family would like to thank the staff at Upland Hills Nursing & Rehab Center and Upland Hills Hospice for their loving care & service.
Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers Funeral Home
Dodgeville, WI www.gorgenfh.com
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“We are accountable for our actions and take responsibility for our decisions, practicing wise stewardship of public resources and placing prudent judgment over expediency.” One of NSA’s Core Values
by Joe Meadors
Can someone explain the actions of the NSA on June 8, 1967?
They turned on their recorders for a few minutes then turned them off only to turn them back on for a few minutes and turn them off only to turn them on for a few minutes then turn them off. https://t.co/6BqE1fISXy
And nobody has asked why.
Until now–to both issues.
Why the intermittent recording of the actions of the Sixth Fleet on June 8, 1967?
If the recording was not intermittent, why release only 51 minutes and why release recordings of helicopter pilots after the attack?
They released recordings that appear to support our claim that our flag was flying and visible to the helicopters and the machine gunned life rafts were visible floating astern of the ship.
If anyone alleges a coverup, why release tape excerpts that suggests the opposite?
