Page:DoD USS Liberty Inquiry Press Release 28 Jun 1967.djvu/22

 12..

The time gap in the Quartermasters notebook resulted from the fact that there were insufficient number of peOple in the iridge area to maintain an ac— Curate record of events as they occurred and execute the orders of the Com~ manding Officer simultaneously. With communications to various stations limited, various personnel, as they were noted on the bridge, were used as messengers. At one time during this time frame, the only individuals seen 0n the bridge Were Quartermaster Brown, who was on the helm, Ensign Lucas, and myself. Ensign Lucas was busy relaying my instructions to the various battle statiOns. The smooth log will be a reconstruction of events as recalled by the Commanding Officer, who was present on the bridge throughout the entire incident and maintained his faculties at all times during the incident.

At this time, I have rr-lated all of the events that are considered per- tinent and should be brOught to the attention of the board of inquiry. One ad- ditional fact, which should be noted by the board, is the fact that the chart used for plotting the ship's position and for laying out the operating area is identified as Portfolio A3259, Chart DC3924 Nov, Second Edition, September 30, 1963 {revised 5/4/64). This chart shows the approach to the Operating area that the USS LIBERTY made, a diagnonal transit from northwest to southeast. It lists point A, B, and C as the proposed southernmost limit of the operating area and the intended track of LIBERTY,

Q. Captain, y0u mentioned in your testimony that a helic0pter hovered over LIBERTY and that an object was drOpped which you recovered. I show you this card, and ask y0u if you recognize it?

A. Yes sir, I do recognize this card. It is a calling card.

Counsel for the Court; I'd like to offer this into evidence as exhibit number 89, and to serve as identification, if there is no objection, I would like you to read it now.

‘ A. I read from the card I now hold in my hand. It is a calling card from "Commander Ernest Jarl Castle, United States Navy, Naval Attache for Air, Embassy of the United States of America, Tel Aviv. " This is on the face of the card. On the back of the card is written, "Have you casualties?” It's noted that this card is smeared with oil smudges on both sides.

Q. Thank y0u very much. You also mentioned in y0ur testimony that you took a. camera out of your bridge safe and were able to start to take some pictures. I show you developed pictures and ask you if you recognize them?

°A. Yes, I recognize most of these pictures as having been taken by myself during the attack. Some had been taken by another individual unknown, but I do recognize the scenes depicted therein. Rh