Letters to the Editor
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@ L.W.M.
Bear in mind that the Liberty was totally unarmed. It was not a warship.
Not entirely true; but AFAIK, all they had was small arms and maybe a couple machine guns at best. Like the Pueblo (also recounted in Bamford's book), who could have resisted (briefly) the North Korean capture, but which chose not to do so. No deck guns; no missiles. Hardly a defence against torpedoes and bombs from Israeli fighters. Not to mention, the crew were under the impression that all they had to do was show they were a U.S. vessel and the Israelis would call off the attack.
That being said, I've read "Body of Secrets" (of course!), and I agree with Bamford and others that the U.S.S. Liberty "hit" was no accident.
Cheers,