[Thorin]

The American sailors who survived the attack have stated that the Libery was flying the American flag.

Anyone wanting to learn about this attack should visit the detailed and exhaustive website maintained by the survivors of the attack at http://www.ussliberty.org

[Poohbah]

The American sailors who survived the attack have stated that the Libery was flying the American flag.

OK, your closest point of approach is 1,000 feet, and you're moving at eight miles per minute--over two football fields PER SECOND. You're also approaching the target along its longitudinal axis to maximize your chances of hitting the target if you ID it as hostile--and, incidentally, making it damn near impossible to see the flag if it's streaming straight aft. Your primary recognition cue for a friendly ship is a large white cross painted on the deck.

Oh, BTW, the price tag for going too low and slow over an enemy ship is getting shot down.

Make the call. You can't see the flag unless it's flapping off to the side just as you make your approach. There's no white cross on the deck that conclusively IDs the ship as a friendly.

Make the call.