Eulogies to Captain William McGonagle Capt. McGonagle was the greatest, most honorable man I have ever known in my lifetime. The loss and the hurt in my heart is unbearable. My prayers for his soul and his family ,and for my shipmates are all I have to offfer, I wish there was more. Stan White, Master Chief Petty Officer of the USS Liberty =============== The Captain was a very strong man - I truly believe he was one of the rare few in life that you could trust with your life - as we all did. Lloyd Painter, former ship's officer, USS Liberty ============== I was very saddened to learn of the death of Captain McGonagle. I would like to offer my sympathy to the Liberty crew for their loss of the leader who led them though such danger. His greatest memorial will surely be in their hearts and lives. I feel very privileged to have known this true American hero. Dr. John Borne, historian =============== I wish the Captains family comfort in this time of great loss.It hurts that he has gone on, but I know his life and his deeds will live on forever.I was very proud to serve under his command and great leadership.Im looking forward to seeing him again when my turn comes up. Phillip Tourney, surviving crewman, USS Liberty =============== My heart is very heavy with the loss of our Captian. He is responsible for ALL the crew that surived on June 8 1967. I LOVE HIM! I thank GOD for the HONOR of serving with Him, and being part of His extended Family of the USS LIBERTY, I've been to the Other Side and Back, he is in true tranquility, more than you Know. I do Know. "ATTENTION ON DECK! CAPT. WILLIAM L. McGONAGLE Departing" Aloha! My Dear Capt. My deepest heart felt feelings go to His entire Family. R. Larry Weaver, surviving crewman, USS Liberty =============== Dear Captain McGonagle, This should have been written before your death, but as I have put it off until it is too late, I wish to offer a small tribute. If it weren't for the actions you took almost thirty two years ago, I would not be able to write this small note as to your integrity, and your love for all of us. We have watched you suffer with many difficulties that most people have no idea of, and you came out on top. We all stand tall, knowing that we served under one of the finest men this country will ever know. May the God of peace have mercy upon your soul, and even though it may not seem so at this time, you will rest from the pain that we all have shared, in one way or another. Ronald G. Kukal, surviving crewman, USS Liberty Former chaplain, Liberty Veterans Association ================= Dear John and Liberty crew members and their families - How do you say "thanks'" to someone for doing their duty? How do you say "see you later" when they take that final cruise? These mere words can`t express the sorrow Carol and I feel about your beloved Captain. All we have to do is pass our library and pause before the memorial stone to know somewhere, some town and it's people cared about you all and what you did for our country and how you suffered a most exquisite , private pain in the darkness of unjust secrecy. Captain McGonagel is loved , as are all of you and will forever be held is honor by our family and our town of Grafton. The Lord who made the seas will calm them and hold you all in His perfect peace....He is the light of our world. With everlasting love and devotion, Jim and Carol Grant Grafton, Wisconsin ================== While the United States has lost one of its genuine naval heroes, Cpt. William McGonagle's deeds live on, and are a permanent part on U.S. naval history and tradition. Bill McGonagle was also very much loved by his crew. He will be missed. Redge Fishel, Arlington, VA Associate Member, LVA =================== My heart is also broken. The Captain is at peace now and will keep his new lookouts on watch for the rest of the crew. He will be desperately missed as a family member is. May the wind always be at his back and ours also. With Deepest Respect; John and Mary Ann Hrankowski, surviving crewman, USS Liberty =================== My sincerest condolences to the family of Captain McGonagle. The world has lost a great man and a superb Naval Officer, and I have lost a friend. David E. Lewis, ship's officer, USS Liberty =================== It was with profound sadness that I only today learned of the death of your beloved Captain. Truly he will continue to live in the memories of his shipmates and in the hearts of all Americans. It was he, through his struggles during and after the attack on USS Liberty who personified to all Americans what devotion to duty and courage under fire really meant. He will be missed. Kind regards, Michael Patterson, Webmaster, Arlington National Cemetery Website =================== Captain McGonagle, through his superb professionalism, prepared his crew for anything that might happen. His courage during the attack and his example afterward were inspirational to us all. Had it not been for his leadership, the ship would not have survived. Jim Ennes, surviving ship's officer ================== It was today that I learned of the death of CAPT McGonagle. I have had the highest respect for your skipper (and yourselves) since I first read your book. When I was aboard USS GREENLING, I gave a copy of your book to my CO, who read it immediately. About a week later he was telling me how impressed he was by the way you and your shipmates had saved LIBERTY. The most interesting remark was reserved, however, for CAPT McGonagle. What my skipper said was this: "I should only be such a good CO" What better Epitaph? Again Please accept my heartfelt condolences' v/r Patrick M. Reilly ex USS GREENLING fuzzypony3@aol.com =================== Thus another great American hero has left us. God bless him! We don't have many true heroes around any more, except for members of that brave Liberty crew. Dr. E.A. Richards, P.E. =====================