Brief Summary
This video features Candace Owens interviewing Philip Tourney, a survivor of the USS Liberty incident. Tourney recounts the events of June 8, 1967, when the USS Liberty was attacked by Israeli forces, detailing the loss of life, the subsequent cover-up by the US government, and the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice for the victims. The discussion also explores the broader implications of the incident, including questions about US foreign policy, the influence of lobby groups, and the importance of uncovering historical truths.
- The USS Liberty was attacked by Israeli forces in 1967, resulting in numerous American casualties.
- The US government allegedly covered up the incident to protect its relationship with Israel.
- Survivors of the USS Liberty have faced threats, smear campaigns, and official silence for decades.
- The incident raises questions about US foreign policy, the influence of lobby groups, and the concept of "America First."
Introduction
Candace Owens introduces Philip Tourney, a 77-year-old USS Liberty survivor, and reads a letter he wrote detailing the attack on the USS Liberty in 1967. The letter describes how the ship, clearly marked as American, was attacked by Israeli forces in international waters, resulting in numerous casualties and a subsequent cover-up by the US government. Tourney expresses his hope that by sharing his story, he can help save America by revealing the truth about the slaughter of his mates.
Philip Tourney's Military Background
Philip Tourney discusses his early military career, joining the Navy at 17 and serving two tours in Vietnam before being assigned to the USS Liberty. He recounts initially being told the ship was mapping the ocean floor, only to later realise it was a spy ship. Tourney also mentions serving on another ship, the USS Maddox, which was involved in a false flag operation in the Talan Gulf.
Life Aboard the USS Liberty
Tourney describes the two distinct crews aboard the USS Liberty: 200 spies from the CIA and NSA, and 100 members of the ship's company, including engineers, whose job was to support the communication technicians. He explains that the two groups were segregated and that the true nature of the ship's mission was kept secret. A typical day involved standing watches, sunbathing off the coast of Africa, and making port calls in various West African countries.
Heading into a War Zone
Tourney recounts receiving emergency orders to leave Abidjan in June, as the Six-Day War was commencing. The ship picked up linguists, including a civilian working directly for the NSA, in Rota, Spain, and proceeded into the Mediterranean. Despite heading into a war zone, the crew received little information about the situation.
Arrival Near the Sai Peninsula
Tourney describes arriving near the Sai Peninsula on June 7th, where the USS Liberty was repeatedly overflown and photographed by Israeli aircraft. Despite the ship clearly displaying the American flag, the Israelis identified it as American and friendly, as confirmed by intercepted communications. However, the ship was later removed from their war table, indicating a deliberate act.
The Attack Begins
Tourney believes the attack was planned a year in advance, noting that another spy ship, the USS Valdes, was removed from the area. On the morning of June 8th, after a damage control drill, the attack began with unmarked jets targeting the ship's antennas and gun mounts. Tourney recounts the chaos and destruction, with napalm being dropped and firefighters being killed.
Desperate Attempts to Send a Distress Signal
As the attack continued, torpedo boats approached, initially appearing as potential saviours due to the Star of David. However, they began firing torpedoes at the ship. Despite the destruction, a radio man managed to send out an SOS signal, which was picked up by the Sixth Fleet. Aircraft were launched from the USS Saratoga to aid the Liberty, but they were recalled by Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara.
President Johnson's Intervention
Tourney reveals that after the initial recall, another attempt was made to send aircraft from the USS America, but President Lyndon B. Johnson himself ordered them back, stating he would not embarrass Israel, even if it meant the death of American sailors. This intervention solidified the belief that the US government was complicit in the attack.
The Torpedo Attack and its Aftermath
Tourney recounts seeing the torpedoes fired from the Israeli boats, one of which hit the communication spaces, killing 25 men. He expresses his determination to be their voice and ensure their lives were not lost in vain. He also calls on former President Donald Trump to help the USS Liberty, questioning whether the US is truly "America First" or "Israel First."
The Aftermath and the Cover-Up
Tourney describes the horrific scene after the attack, with two-thirds of the crew dead or wounded. He recounts the actions of the ship's doctor, who operated for 17 hours despite being wounded himself. He also details how the life rafts were shot at, and one was taken aboard an Israeli boat as a trophy. Help did not arrive for 17 hours, and when it did, the survivors were ordered to remain silent about the attack, with threats of imprisonment or death.
Silence and Breaking the Silence
Tourney explains that he remained silent about the attack for over 40 years, until he read an article by another USS Liberty veteran. He recounts how Admiral Kidd threatened the crew with severe consequences if they spoke about the incident. The survivors were scattered to different bases and interrogated, with their identities changed and ordered to forget the USS Liberty.
Challenging the Official Narrative
Tourney challenges the official narrative of mistaken identity, calling out figures like Charlie Kirk and Ben Shapiro for dismissing the incident as a conspiracy theory. He references Ben Shapiro's explanation of the USS Liberty incident, which attributes it to a case of mistaken identity, and refutes it. He also mentions the anti-Semitic accusations levelled against the survivors for speaking out.
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The Broader Implications and Parallels
Owens expresses her outrage at the gaslighting and betrayal experienced by the USS Liberty survivors. Tourney suggests the attack was a false flag operation, potentially intended to provoke a wider conflict. He also mentions the presence of Russian submarines and US submarines in the area, implying a larger geopolitical context.
Seeking Justice and Uncovering the Truth
Tourney discusses the ongoing efforts to declassify documents related to the USS Liberty incident, including a Freedom of Information Act request. He laments the fact that the CIA is blocking the release of these records, despite claims that the incident was a simple mistake. He also highlights the dwindling number of survivors and the importance of their story being told.
Lyndon B. Johnson and US-Israel Relations
Owens raises questions about Lyndon B. Johnson's motivations and his close ties to Israel, particularly in light of JFK's assassination and his contentious relationship with Israel. She cites an article from the Jerusalem Post highlighting Johnson's pro-Jewish actions and his efforts to rescue Jews during the Holocaust. Tourney reveals that Johnson's bed partner on the day of the attack was a Zionist agent.
Historical Context and False Flags
Tourney asserts that the Iraq and Afghanistan wars were fought for the benefit of Israel and that the US is an occupied nation. He references Eisenhower's warning about the military-industrial complex. Owens expresses her disillusionment with politicians who claim to be "America First" but fail to address the USS Liberty incident.
The USS Liberty Memorial Library and Threats
Tourney recounts the story of the USS Liberty Memorial Library in Wisconsin, which faced opposition from the Jewish community. He also reveals that he has been threatened by the Mossad, who warned him to remain silent about the incident. Owens notes the Mossad's presence at other significant events, such as the JFK assassination and 9/11.
Israel's Involvement in False Flags and the Aftermath
Tourney asserts that Israel was involved in the attack on the USS Liberty and that the US government paid them to do it. He highlights the disparity in compensation received by the survivors and the order to sign agreements preventing them from suing Israel or the United States. He vows to continue speaking the truth until his dying breath.
Candace Owens' Pledge and Call to Action
Owens apologises for her past ignorance and pledges to hold a candle for the USS Liberty, promising to provide a platform for the survivors. She commits to donating $40,000 annually to the USS Liberty Veterans Association and encourages viewers to donate as well. She expresses her belief that the US government is occupied by lobbying from Zionists and calls for change.
The USS Liberty Veterans Association and Final Thoughts
Tourney provides the website for the USS Liberty Veterans Association (usslibertyveterans.org) and encourages viewers to visit and donate. He mentions Ward Boston's declaration that the attack was deliberate and not a case of mistaken identity. He also highlights the numerous medals and commendations received by the USS Liberty crew, which are meaningless if the government continues to keep the truth hidden. Owens concludes by expressing her hope for change and thanking Tourney for sharing his story.