William McGonagle was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his
actions in the Eastern Mediterranean during June, 1967. While performing
intelligence operations in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea William McGonagle
commanded the technical research ship USS Liberty.
For reason still not
fully explained the Liberty came under an intense attack by ships and
aircraft of the Isreali military. The attack left the ship nearly crippled
and defenseless, but McGonagle maintained order and, despite wounds suffered
during the attack, stayed on the bridge and led the crew to control damage
and sail the vessel to safety.
