Assault on the Liberty [Mass Market Paperback]

James M Ennes Jr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 12, 1987

In June, 1967, jet aircraft and motor torpedo boats of Israel brutally assaulted an American naval vessel, the USS Liberty, in international waters off the Sinai Peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea. Thirty-four men died and 172 were wounded. The author was an officer on the bridge when the attack started and subsequently spent many years researching and documenting this meticulous account of the attack and the cover-up that followed.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I've never read a more graphic depiction of war at sea...an insider's book by an honest participant. -- Pulitzer Prize-winner Seymour Hersh

One of the finest accounts of combat at sea...the most important book you'll read this year. -- The Hartford Courant

The writing is first class. The relationships and conflicts of important shipboard personalities add suspense and human drama. -- Washington Post Book World --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (February 12, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804101086
• ISBN-13: 978-0804101080
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (62 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,648,150 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

196 of 209 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A riveting first hand account, March 24, 2003

By 

James R. Gotcher "stephenmaturin" (Sherman Oaks, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Assault on the Liberty (Perfect Paperback)

"Attack on the Liberty" is a riveting first hand account of the brutal attack on a United States Navy ship, cruising in international waters, by air and navel forces of the State of Israel. Apologists for the Israelis have fabricated various fanciful theories ranging from the attack being a "tragic accident" to such bizarre notions as the Liberty actively spying for the Egyptians, against the Israelis - thus "justifying" the attack.

This first hand account, written by the United States Naval officer who was the officer of the deck on the Liberty during the attack, provides a gripping narrative of the events that led to the deaths of 34 Americans and the wounding of 171 more (including the author). It is a fact-rich retelling of the events. The author provides extensive details, with citations to specific documentary records and specific witnesses, unlike the apologists for the Israelis, who almost uniformly cite anonymous or confidential "sources."

Mr. Ennes provides a moment by moment description of the attack, its brutality, and its effects on himself and his shipmates. His detailed first hand account of the repeated Israeli reconnaissance, flights prior to the attack, their careful jamming of the Liberty's radio frequencies during the attack, the obvious and prominently displayed American flag on the ship, and the conduct of the Israeli torpedo boat crews in machine-gunning of the ship's life rafts, leads to the inescapable conclusion that the attack was deliberate and premeditated.

The book also deals with the efforts by the United States government to cover-up the culpability of the Israeli government in the attack. This is compelling reading for anyone interested in this shameful chapter in American history.

130 of 137 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Treachery and Cover-Up, October 29, 2003

By 

K. Sprowl "Bookwurm" (San Diego) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Assault on the Liberty (Perfect Paperback)

This riveting book reads like a thriller, but it is, unfortunatley non-fiction.

The author offers eyewitness testimony and supporting documentation to the unbelievable-- a serious attempt to murder American servicemen, by an "ally."

In 1967, the USS LIberty, while in international waters, was bombed, torpedoed, and napalmed by Israel, and her life rafts machine gunned. This though she was clearly flying American colors, and was signalling "US Navy ship."

The survivors, repeated requests for a Senate investigation, have been stalled, refused, obfuscated, and labelled "anti-Jewish" for over 30 years. The "anti-Jewish" claims hang false, as some of the killed and injured Americans were Jewish.

Israel has repeatedly asserted that the attack was a mistake. Let's have that investigation, and settle the matter, once and for all. Where's the harm to knowing the truth?

129 of 139 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought-provoking...deserves to be read by all, May 29, 2003

By 

Bert Ruiz "Author" (Pleasantville, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Assault on the Liberty (Perfect Paperback)

"Assault on the Liberty," is a thought-provoking book that deserves to be read by all interested in understanding the truth. Author James M. Ennes Jr., provides a detailed and painstaking analysis of a tragic event. To this end, he quite properly sets in perspective the often too-glibly-taken conclusion that the attack on the USS Liberty was an accident. There is no doubt that the author is honest and patriotic. He answered the nation's call to duty...he was on the Liberty...he was wounded and he witnessed the death of American sailors. Highly recommended.

Bert Ruiz