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Today marks the 36th anniversary of the Israeli Six-Day War. From the opening shot, "Operation Moked", to the recapturing of the Old City in Jerusalem and Israel's holiest of holy places, the Western Wall (HaKotel HaMa'aravi), to the taking of the Golan Heights, the IDF showed extreme bravery and courage. I'll be posting a summary of what happened every day. I'll post today's, tomorrows and Saturday's now, because tomorrow is the Jewish holiday of Shavuoth, the time when the Torah was given to Moses on Mt. Sinai.

(taken from the [url="http://www.iaf.org.il/"]Official IAF Website[/url])

June 5:
Egyptian Air Force planes are destroyed before leaving the ground

<img src="http://www.iaf.org.il/english/images/diary/visuals/thumbnails/5june.jpg" border=0>


7:45:
Operation 'Moked' is launched. In the initial wave of attack, IAF planes raid 11 Egyptian airfields. 204 enemy planes are destroyed inside their bases, while still parked on their runways. Five Israeli pilots are killed and five others fall captive.

8:00:
IAF Fougas, that normally serve as trainers, attack radar and artillery positions and are deployed to interdict the Jordanian Army.

9:34:
The second wave of attack. 164 sorties are carried out in the course of 94 minutes. 107 additional enemy planes are destroyed in Egypt. Two Syrian MiGs are brought down in northern Israel.

11:50:
The Arab countries respond: Syrian, Jordanian and Iraqi planes attack targets in Israel.

12:15:
The third and fourth waves of Israeli attack: IAF planes hit airfields in Syria, Jordan and Iraq.

15:30:
The Jerusalem Regiment takes the Armon Hanatziv sector of southern Jerusalem.

Evening:
The IAF mounts more attacks on Egyptian airfields.

17:30:
Fougas take part in attacking Jordanian reinforcement convoys headed for Jerusalem.

18:30:
IDF forces take the Rafah Plain sector of the Gaza Strip. Gen. Avraham Yaffe's division captures Bir a-Lahfan junction.

18:40:
S-58 helicopters land 450 IDF Paratroopers in the enemy rear, in an attack aimed at smashing Egypt's positions at Umm Katef. All objectives are reached.

19:30:
Long range Jordanian guns shell Tel Aviv.


"Retreat, hell! We just got here!"-Captain Lloyd Williams, 2nd Marine Division, Belleau Wood, France, WWI

June 6:
IAF helicopters participate in evacuation of wounded from the front

<img src="http://www.iaf.org.il/english/images/diary/visuals/thumbnails/6june.jpg" border=0>


1:00:
IAF planes attack Jordanian ground forces.

6:00:
IAF planes commence attacks on Syrian artillery, mortar and convoys on the Syrian front.

6:15:
IDF forces take control of Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem, following a very bloody battle.

6:30:
IAF planes provide close air support for ground troops in the El Arish / Jebel Libni and Abu Ageileh / Kseimeh areas in the Sinai. After the initial breakthroughs are achieved, IAF planes are sent to provide close air support in the Rafah Plain and at Umm Katef, as well as additional support for IDF troops fighting in the Gaza Strip. IAF planes attack convoys of tanks, trucks and APCs.

8:00:
IDF forces capture the northern part of east Jerusalem.

13:00:
IDF forces capture Gaza.

17:20:
IDF forces capture Kalkilya, in the West Bank.

19:30:
IDF forces capture Ramallah.


"Retreat, hell! We just got here!"-Captain Lloyd Williams, 2nd Marine Division, Belleau Wood, France, WWI

June 7:
'Har habayit beyadeinu' - 'The Temple Mount is in our hands' - a terse, unforgettable message is radioed to IDF troops.

<img src="http://www.iaf.org.il/english/images/diary/visuals/large/7june.jpg" border=0>

00:00:
The Jordanian Army receives orders to retreat from the West Bank.

00:30:
IAF planes begin pounding Jordanian ground forces in the Jerusalem / Jericho area and in the Judean Mountains. Accurate hits are scored against convoys of tanks, trucks and other vehicles.

Morning:
IAF planes return to attack Iraq's H-3 Airfield.

IAF planes attack ground-air missiles arrays in Saini.

5:15:
IAF planes commence attacks on Egyptian ground forces in the Sinai, hitting covoys of tanks, APCs and other vehicles, as well as fuel stores.

7:10:
IAF planes hit military barracks, artillery positions and AA batteries in the Syrian Golan Heights.

10:00:
The IDF liberates the Old City of Jerusalem, and the Paratroop Regiment Commander radios: 'The Temple Mount is in our hands'. Shortly afterwards, the troops spearheading the IDF force reach the Western Wall. One hour later, the Governor of Jerusalem, Anwar el-Hattib, signs an official writ of surrender.

11:30:
170 IDF fighters are landed by 15 helicopters and 12 Nords in the operation against Sharm a-Sheikh.

12:15:
The Israeli Navy reaches Sharm a-Sheikh.

15:35:
Fouga Squadron Commander, Maj. Aryeh Ben Or, attacks Jordanian armor concentrations in Ma'aleh Edumim, near Jerusalem. Other planes join the attack, which is directed by Ben Or at high personal risk.

Afternoon hours:
A group from the First Combat Squadron is sent to attack the radar station near Gardaqa airport. The group strafes radar installments and fuel stores near the city's port, and destroys two Mi-6 helicopters that were parked nearby.

Cpt. Yehudah Peri, also commanding an S-58, is sent to rescue a Fouga pilot who had bailed out over Ma'aleh Edumim. His helicopter is hit by machine gun fire, but Peri continues his mission and does not cease searching for the Fouga pilot until darkness falls. He is awarded the Medal of Valor for his conduct. The Fouga pilot, Cpt. Shabtai Ben Aharon, was apparently murdered by Jordanian soldiers or local Beduins.

Maj. Ezra Dotan ('Baban'), who was sent to Iraq's H-3 Airfield to look for the crew of a downed plane, is hit by a missile fired at him by a MiG. Despite the damage sustained, Dotan makes it back to Israeli airspace and executes an emergency landing at Megido airstrip.

Evening hours:
Lt. Amnon Gilad's Piper diverts Egyptian MiGs that were about to attack IDF forces in Umm Marjam, by luring them into following him. He manages to avoid their fire. He is later awarded the Medal of Valor for his actions.

18:00:
IDF forces liberate Gush Etzion, south of Jerusalem.

19:30:
The IDF takes Jericho.


"Retreat, hell! We just got here!"-Captain Lloyd Williams, 2nd Marine Division, Belleau Wood, France, WWI

I have to ask. Any info about the USS Liberty? After all, it seems to be an intrigal part of the Six Day War to us Americans.

"By my count green belt. Don't get ahead of me. Starting over at zero."

_________________

Very good point Lunatock...even today, there is alot of questions to why it happeneded. The shipe was clearly "flagged" as a USN ship.

If your not having fun, your not doing it right!

And one of those instances that something bad happened, and nothing was really done about it. I sure despise that when it happens.

"You a Soldier or Politian? By all means, let them pooch screw me. And don't care they killed a Marine. That honestly makes me wish they get a Generals blood on thier hands. Maybe then a few people will get thier heads out of thier..."

_________________

[quote]
I have to ask. Any info about the USS Liberty? After all, it seems to be an intrigal part of the Six Day War to us Americans.

--------------

One word, Coverup!! IAF knew damn well it was a spy ship. 34 odd killed and well over 100 wounded on the ship. Skipper picked up a CMH for handling the ship and staying quiet.

Body of Secrets, James Bamford devotes some chapters to the USS Liberty. LBJ recalled an attack package launched from a Carrier twice. SecDef McNamara doesn't say squat about the Liberty in his books, but does remark on the USS Pueblo. Another fine mess. Some Thud pilots remarked they could had attacked the North Koreans.

Till this day Congress has never invetigated the Liberty.

One of the reasons I avoided flying spooky aircraft, you knew damn well you were on you own if you were attacked. Unless it was a SR-71 and the Navy never bought those. RA-5Cs were retired in the mid 70s.

Jack

And to think, two rescue craft were sent out, but called back. And so was a plane carrying a nuke, meant for Egypt.

"You a Soldier or a Politician? By all means, let them pooch screw me. And don't care they killed a Marine. That honestly makes me wish they get a Generals blood on thier hands. Maybe then a few people will get thier heads out of thier..."

_________________

June 8:
An Israeli helicopter lands at Sharm a-Sheikh
<img src="http://www.iaf.org.il/english/images/diary/visuals/thumbnails/8june.jpg" border=0>


5:20:
IAF planes commence the attack on several key axes in the Egyptian front: the northern axis (Qantara - Rumani), the central axis (Bir Gafgafa - Suez Canal) and the southern axis (Nakhel - Mitleh - Suez Canal). The planes score hits against armor and convoys of trucks and other vehicles. Close air support is provided in a relatively small area, due to the nature of the IDF advance on this day.

6:00 :
The IDF takes Kunteileh in the Sinai.

6:30:
The IDF takes Hebron.

8:30:
IAF planes commence attacks on AA and mortar positions in the Golan Heights, in a concentrated effort aimed at silencing Syria's artillery. Another objective of the attacks is the softening of Syrian positions, in preparation for an assault by IDF ground forces.

11:50:
The 'Liberty' disaster: IAF Mirages and Mysteres mistakenly attack the U.S. Navy surveillance ship U.S.S. 'Liberty', killing 34 American Navy men.

18:00:
IDF forces take Qantara in the Sinai.

21:30:
Egypt complies with the cease fire.


"Retreat, hell! We just got here!"-Captain Lloyd Williams, 2nd Marine Division, Belleau Wood, France, WWI

June 9:
MiGs attack an Israeli convoy
<img src="http://www.iaf.org.il/english/images/diary/visuals/thumbnails/9june.jpg" border=0>



1:00:
The divisions spearheading the IDF's advance, under Gen. Yisrael Tal and Gen. Avraham Yaffe, reach the Suez Canal, completing the conquest of the Sinai.

04:20:
Two Super Frelons and five S-58 helicopters land paratroop forces under Lt. Col. Moshe Levi (a future Chief of Staff) near Ras Sudar in Egypt. A pair of Mirages provides close air support and strafes the Egyptian force entrenched there. The paratroopers are landed just 100 meters away from the Egyptian guard force's tents, and mount their assault immediately upon reaching the ground, quickly capturing the Ras Sudar airfield.
For the first time since the war began, IAF planes attack ground forces to the west of the Suez Canal. This becomes the IAF's main mission on the Egyptian front. IAF planes attack artillery positions and convoys of tanks and other vehicles.

7:20:
Minister of Defense Moshe Dayan gives the go-ahead for the Israeli assault upon the Golan Heights.

9:40:
IAF planes attack ground forces, AA batteries and mortars in the Syrian Golan.

11:30:
IAF planes provide close air support for ground forces in the assault on the Golan.


"Retreat, hell! We just got here!"-Captain Lloyd Williams, 2nd Marine Division, Belleau Wood, France, WWI

I read about the incident in the Reader's Digest many years ago. Yes, the Israelis knew it was a spy ship. They were afraid the U.S. would use information obtained by the ship to tip off the Arabs to the preemptive first strike by the Israelis on the Arab forces about to attack her. In their eyes, the success of the preemptive strike was their only hope of survival. It was in that light they took such a drastic action. IIRC, they painted their planes in Egyptian colors to try and implicate Egypt as the attacker. That may account for the nuke initially heading Egypt's way….

In reality, the U.S. had known about the preemptive strike planning for a while and had not said anything. In fact, they had supplied much information about the Arab nations to Israel. Someone in the military/governmental hierarchy did an extremely stupid thing in attacking the Liberty. If not for U.S. support, due in large part to combined Christian and Jewish intercession, Israel would have ceased to exist years earlier. U.S. Veto power in the U.N. has saved her bacon on many occasions. If not for those ties, Israel herself may have been attacked by the U.S. armed forces in retaliation for the attack on the USS Liberty.

While we were not the arms supplier in 1967 that we became after that war, we have since become close allies. I hope and pray that relationship continues to be strong and trustworthy!


Psalms 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.<i></i>

Caveat Emptor

Edited by - Captain C on Jun 08 2003 11:42 PM

Taken from the [url="http://www.ussliberty.org/"]Official USS Liberty Website[/url]

U.S.A. Side of the Story:

In June 1967, jet aircraft and motor torpedo boats of Israel brutally
assaulted an American naval vessel, the USS Liberty, in international
waters off the Sinai Peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea. The attack was
preceded by more than six hours of intense low-level surveillance by
Israeli photo-reconnaissance aircraft, which buzzed the intelligence ship
thirteen times, sometimes flying as low as 200 feet directly overhead.
The reconnaissance pilots were heard by intercept operators in Germany
and in Lebanon reporting to their headquarters that they could see an
American flag and men sunbathing on deck.

The carefully orchestrated assault that followed was initiated by
high-performance jet aircraft, was followed up by slower and more
maneuverable jets carrying napalm, and was finally turned over to lethal
torpedo boats which fired five torpedoes. Four missed. The one torpedo
that hit the ship blasted a forty-foot hole in the ship's side.

The attack lasted more than two hours -- killing 34 Americans and
wounding 172 others -- and inflicted 821 rocket and machine-gun holes.
And when the Liberty stubbornly remained afloat despite her damage,
Israeli forces machine-gunned her life rafts and sent troop-carrying
helicopters in to finish the job. During the attack, radio intercept
operators in Lebanon heard one Israeli pilot identifying the ship as
American. He was told to ignore the flag and continue his attack.

Before the ship arrived in the area, U.S. Sixth Fleet Commander
Admiral William Martin promised to provide air support within ten
minutes if an emergency arose. Yet when the ship did come under attack,
the White House blocked any air rescue for more than 90 minutes.
Officers on the bridge of the aircraft carrier Saratoga heard Liberty's
radio operators calling for help while bombs burst in the background,
but were forbidden to help. When Navy jet aircraft were finally
authorized to come to the ship's aid, the Israeli government suddenly
ended the attack and withdrew. Only then did the identity of the
assailants become known.

Details of the attack were hushed up in both countries. Israel claimed
that her forces mistook the Liberty for an Egyptian ship, and our
government publicly accepted that excuse despite evidence to the
contrary. Meanwhile, in top secret diplomatic mail, US Secretary of
State Dean Rusk accused the Israelis of demonstrating "blatant disregard
for human life" and said that the attack was no accident. Then our
government downplayed the intensity of the surveillance and the severity
of the attack, and imposed a news blackout to keep the official story
under control. The official version is that the Liberty was
reconnoitered only three times and then only from great distance. The
American people were told that the air attack lasted only five minutes
and that it was followed by a single torpedo and an immediate apology
and offer of assistance.

The story has continued to fester for thirty-five years. During that time numerous senior members of the Lyndon Johnson administration,
in office at the time, have come forward to say that the attack was no accident. These include former Secretary of State Dean Rusk; former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Tom Moorer; former NSA chief General Marshall Carter and his deputy, Dr. Lou Tordella; former White House Press Secretary George Christian; former US Ambassador to Lebanon Dwight Porter who heard some of the radio conversations at the time, and others. Two former Israeli military officers have come forward to tell their inside stories confirming survivors' charges that the attack was no accident. Despite these reports, and despite charges by survivors that the official Israeli story is untrue, Congress has for thirty-five years refused to conduct a public investigation. The attack on the USS Liberty remains the only major maritime incident in all US history that has not been publicly investigated by the United States Congress.



"Retreat, hell! We just got here!"-Captain Lloyd Williams, 2nd Marine Division, Belleau Wood, France, WWI

Taken from the [url="HTTP://www.usslibertyorg/"]Official USS Liberty Website[/url]

[url="http://ussliberty.org/excuse.txt/"]Israeli Side of the Story[/url]

"Retreat, hell! We just got here!"-Captain Lloyd Williams, 2nd Marine Division, Belleau Wood, France, WWI

[quote]
The attack on the USS Liberty remains the only major maritime incident in all US history that has not been publicly investigated by the United States Congress.



------------------

Yeah and the crew was told not to talk by RADM Kidd. Virtually threatened them with death or life time imprisonment. Kidd later became a 4 Star and CINCLANT.

IMO, Navy did get some payback, in 1968 the Israeli sub the Dakar was sunk in some mysterious circumstances in the Med. Lost with all hands.

When it comes to spooky missions, the US likes to hide the shootdowns or shot upon. A few times with spooky aircraft, piss poor maintenance caused the accident and they wanted to coverup the problems.

Jack

June 10:
an IAF Piper patrols overhead as IDF forces advance in the Golan Heights

<img src="http://www.iaf.org.il/english/images/diary/visuals/thumbnails/10june.jpg" border=0>


14:30:
The Golan front: IDF forces complete the conquest of Quneitra.

17:30:
A paratroop force landed by helicopters takes Batmieh.

18:15:
The IDF takes Mas'adeh.

18:30:
The ceasefire goes into effect. In the past six days of fighting, IDF forces have captured the entire Sinai penninsula, the West Bank and the Golan Heights. The territory under Israeli control is four times larger than it had been a week ago.


"Retreat, hell! We just got here!"-Captain Lloyd Williams, 2nd Marine Division, Belleau Wood, France, WWI

Apropos the Piper in the picture, the IAF has retired all Piper Super Cubs from active service this past Sunday.

Taken from the [url="http://www.iaf.org.il/"]Official IAF Website[/url]

[url="http://www.iaf.org.il/iaf/doa_iis.dll/Serve/item/English/1.3.3.3.1.8.html/"]Piper Super Cub[/url]

<img src="http://www.iaf.org.il/english/images/aircrafts/visuals/thumbnails/piper.jpg" border=0>

Piper Super Cub

A single engine light plane that, in its different models, served in the IAF continuously since 1948. At first the Piper was used as a transport for passengers and cargo, and participated in all of Israel's wars. Afterwards, and until its retirement from service in 2003, it served for instruction at the IAF Flight School.
The first Pipers joined the IAF in the War of Independence. These were 50 horsepower Piper Cubs that served for liaison, observation and transport of commanders.
In April of 1954, seven Pipers participated in Operation 'Shnunuit', in which Israeli Navy men whose ship had run ashoal off the Saudi coast were rescued.
In Operation 'Yarkon', in June of 1955, six Pipers exfiltrated an intelligence reconnaissance unit from the Sinai.
In the Sinai Campaign, the Piper served as the principal observation plane for the IDF ground forces. One of its pilots, Paltiel Sirotkin, received a Citation of Merit for prefenting a friendly fire incident between two Israeli troop concentrations.
The improved model, the Super Cub, began its operational service on the eve of the Sinai Campaign. In the mid-1960's they were fitted with underwing machine guns, for combating smugglers and infiltrators along the borders with Jordan and Egypt.
In the Six Day War the Super Cub was the IAF's chief reconnaissance plane. After the war it served mainly for light transport of passengers and equipment.

ID:

Primary Role: Twin seat liaison, reconnaissance and training plane
Origin: USA
Dimensions: Wingspan: 10.73 m
Length: 6.82 m
Height: 2.03 m
Wing area: 16.58 sq. m
Capabilities: Maximum speed: 171 kph
Ceiling: 6,200 m
Weight: Empty: 365 kg
Max. loaded: 680 kg
Power Plant: Lycoming O-320 rated at 150 hp

"Retreat, hell! We just got here!"-Captain Lloyd Williams, 2nd Marine Division, Belleau Wood, France, WWI