Deep Shallow Dive - Moe Shafer.

USS Liberty Survivor Moe Shafer on Deep Shallow Dive: “I Watched 25 Men Die in an Instant”

A Second Survivor Speaks — Because the Story Must Be Told

While most of our USS Liberty posts feature survivor Phil Tourney, this episode of the Deep Shallow Dive Podcast brings forward another critical voice from that horrific day: Russell “Moe” Shafer — Phil’s shipmate, fellow survivor, and one of the men who lived through the torpedo blast that killed 25 Americans instantly.

Including Moe’s testimony is essential.
Every survivor offers a piece of the full truth — and together, their voices form a record that cannot be erased.

“I was 20 feet from the torpedo when it hit. By the grace of God, I lived. Twenty-five of my brothers didn’t.”

The Attack as Seen Through Moe’s Eyes

Moe’s account is one of the most graphic and emotionally charged testimonies ever shared publicly.

According to Moe:

• The Liberty was clearly marked and flying a brand-new American flag.

• Israeli aircraft had already reconned the ship multiple times.

• No warning was given when the attack began.

• The jets fired rockets, cannons, and napalm across the decks.

• Moments later, torpedo boats lined up in attack formation.

• One torpedo slammed directly into the ship’s research center.

• Twenty-five men — many of them friends he had spoken to that morning — were killed instantly.

“I watched them die right in front of me. Bodies… everywhere. That image never leaves your mind.”

The Government Response: Silence, Threats & Abandonment

Moe confirms what Phil and other survivors have testified for decades:

• U.S. rescue jets were launched — then immediately ordered back.

• Survivors were left without help for 17 hours.

• Admiral Isaac Kidd threatened the crew to never speak about Israel’s involvement.

• The court of inquiry ignored eyewitness testimony.

• The Navy, the White House, and Congress abandoned them.

“We weren’t just attacked. We were silenced.”

False Flag, Hidden Motives & Political Cowardice

Moe echoes Phil’s long-held position:

• The attack was intentional.

• The motive was to blame Egypt and draw the U.S. into the war.

• Political alliances were prioritized over American lives.

• Congress still refuses to investigate — 57 years later.

“They tried to kill us. Then our own government tried to bury us.”

Why Moe Shafer’s Testimony Matters

Every Liberty survivor carries a different piece of the story:

• Phil was in damage control.

• Moe was near the torpedo blast.

• Others were topside under napalm fire.

• Some were inside the intelligence space where the torpedo hit.

Together, these accounts prove the attack was not a mistake, was not accidental, and has never been adequately investigated.

Moe’s willingness to speak today — at nearly 80 years old — is an act of bravery and loyalty to the fallen.

Deep Shallow Dive Podcast: Giving Survivors a Voice

The Deep Shallow Dive has become one of the few platforms willing to host these stories completely uncensored.

This episode ensures future generations will hear what the government tried to suppress.

Support the USS Liberty Survivors:

• 🌐 USS Liberty Veterans Association: https://ussliberty.org

• 🎥 Watch Sacrificing Liberty (YouTube & Rumble)

• 🎧 Hear more survivor interviews on the Phil Tourney Podcast

• 📚 Pre-order Stay Afloat — Phil’s new book on the attack and cover-up

“We don’t want revenge. We want truth.”

Topics Discussed:

USS Liberty, Deep Shallow Dive Podcast, Moe Shafer, Phil Tourney, Torpedo Attack, 1967 Six-Day War, Naval Cover-Up, False Flag Operation, Israel US Relations, USS Liberty Veterans