The Medal of Honor was presented today to the Navy officer who commanded the intelligence ship Liberty when it was attacked off the Sinai coast during the Six-Day War on June 8, 1967. Capt. William L. McConagle got the award in ceremonies in the Washington Naval Yard. It was presented by Paul R. Ignatius, Secretary of the Navy.
Thirty-four U.S. sailors were killed in the air and torpedo attack. Israel apologized and has paid $3,323,500 in compensation. That sum was the full amount claimed by the U.S. on behalf of families of the dead sailors.
The Pentagon said Capt. McConagle was cited “for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty.”
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