The Mises Institute: The Attack on the USS Liberty | Phil Tourney.
At the Mises Institute, Phil Tourney—survivor of the 1967 USS Liberty attack—delivers an emotional and detailed first-person account of a naval tragedy that has remained buried for decades. His testimony challenges the official narrative and shines a light on one of the most suppressed events in American military history.
The USS Liberty Attack: Not a Mistake
On June 8, 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israeli forces attacked the USS Liberty, a U.S. intelligence-gathering ship, despite clear identification. The assault included air and sea strikes using unmarked jets, torpedoes, napalm, and machine-gun fire.
Key facts shared by Tourney:
34 American crew members were killed.
174 were wounded in the two-hour assault.
The ship was left without defense or rescue for 17 hours.
Survivors were later threatened into silence by U.S. officials.
Silenced by Their Own Government
Tourney reveals that survivors, including himself, were debriefed under duress. Admiral Isaac Kidd, after pretending to befriend the crew, allegedly threatened imprisonment or worse if they spoke publicly. Even Medal of Honor recipient Captain William McGonagle was pressured to remain quiet.
Was It a False Flag Operation?
Tourney alleges that the Liberty was meant to be sunk, blamed on Egypt, and used as a pretext for the U.S. to enter the war. Strategic bombers were already airborne en route to Cairo when the attack began.
He claims this act was premeditated by individuals within both the U.S. and Israeli governments, including President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Legacy of the Crew
Though the USS Liberty remains the most decorated crew for a single engagement in U.S. Navy history, no official investigation has ever been conducted. Survivors have faced decades of smear campaigns, censorship, and emotional trauma.
Tourney’s mission:
Speak on behalf of those who died.
Reveal the truth behind the attack.
Hold both U.S. and Israeli leadership accountable.
Call to Action – Break the Silence
Tourney calls on Americans to demand transparency and justice. He believes that what happened to the USS Liberty crew isn’t just a tragedy of the past—it’s a warning for the future.
“They didn’t just attack us. They attacked the American flag. And if they got away with that, what can’t they do?”
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Suggested Tags:
USS Liberty, Naval History, Phil Tourney, Mises Institute, Six-Day War, False Flag, Military Cover-Up, USS Liberty Veterans, Israel US Relations, Government Secrecy
USS LIBERTY SURVIVOR | US NAVY VETERAN | PATRIOT
ALL NEW BOOK
On June 8, 1967, twenty-year-old Phil Tourney found himself in the middle of a nightmare—trapped aboard the USS Liberty as it was attacked and left burning in the Mediterranean Sea. Against every odd, he survived. But the story didn’t end there. What began as a fight to stay alive became a lifelong lesson: the storms that threaten to sink us are also the waters that teach us how to STAY AFLOAT.
Stay Afloat is not just the story of one man’s survival—it’s a guide for anyone facing their own trials, setbacks, or unseen battles. Drawing on the hard-earned wisdom of that day and the decades since, Phil shares lessons about resilience, faith, courage, and finding purpose even when waves keep coming. This book is a memoir and a lifeline, reminding us that staying afloat isn’t just about survival—it’s about living with strength, hope, and meaning.
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