Identity and Core Facts
Lee Harvey is the name associated with Lee Harvey Oswald, a former U.S. Marine and warehouse employee whose verified biographical record places him in Dallas, Texas, at the time of his death. Publicly, the name refers to this central figure in the investigation following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. This profile focuses on documented records, official reports, and established historical context rather than speculation or unverified claims.
In the following sections, we break down identity, background, and key events using authoritative sources such as the Warren Commission Report, the FBI file release, and National Archives records. The aim is to provide a factual baseline that remains useful over time.
Background and Early Life
Childhood and Family
Lee Harvey Oswald was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 18, 1939, to Marguerite Frances Claverie Oswald and Robert Edward Oswald. His father died prior to his birth, and the family faced periods of financial instability, moving between relatives and temporary housing. These circumstances are documented in biographical summaries compiled by official investigations and archival materials held by the National Archives.
Education and Early Interests
Oswald attended several schools in New Orleans and Dallas, including elementary and junior high years in the Dallas Independent School District. He left high school before graduation and later expressed interest in Marxist literature and political theory, which became relevant to later investigations. His reading habits and self-directed study are noted in FBI reports and Commission exhibits.
Marine Service and Early Adulthood
U.S. Marine Corps Service
Oswald enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1956 at age 17 and served until 1961, attaining the rank of Marine Corpsshooter with a specialty in radar operations. His service record, held by the Marine Corps and later reviewed by investigative bodies, shows a mix of performance evaluations, disciplinary incidents, and training completion. Key service details are outlined in official military and Commission documentation.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | United States Marine Corps | Service Record |
| Enlistment Date | October 24, 1956 | Military档案 |
| Discharge Date | September 20, 1961 | Separation Papers |
| Rank at Discharge | Lance Corporal | Service Record |
| Specialty | Radar Operator/Radio Operator | Training Records |
Later Life and Dallas Period
Move to Dallas and Employment
After his military discharge, Oswald moved to Dallas, Texas, where he worked at the Texas School Book Depository. This employment placed him at the location from which official investigations concluded shots were fired during the events of November 22, 1963. His access to the building, work hours, and movements are described in deposition transcripts and investigative reports.
Marriage and Personal Relationships
Oswald married Marina Nikolayevna Prusakova in Minsk, USSR, in 1961, before returning to the United States. His relationship with Marina, and later with his wife Marguerite and children, is documented in FBI interviews, immigration records, and Commission hearings. These records provide a factual account of family connections relevant to background context.
November 1963 Events and Public Record
Timeline of Key Verified Moments
On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was fatally shot during a motorcade in Dallas. Later that day, Oswald was arrested in connection with the shooting of a Dallas police officer, J. D. Tippit, and subsequently charged with the presidential assassination. The sequence of events, detainment, and transfer are recorded in police reports, autopsy materials, and judicial filings.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| November 22, 1963, 12:30 p.m. | Assassination of President Kennedy in Dallas | Triggered national investigation and legal proceedings |
| November 22, 1963, 1:50 p.m. | Oswald arrested for Tippit shooting | Established immediate suspect link to law enforcement |
| November 24, 1963 | Oswald fatally shot by Jack Ruby while in police custody | Prevented formal trial and heightened scrutiny of security procedures |
| November 1963–1964 | Warren Commission investigation and report release | Summarized findings on Oswald’s role and broader conclusions |
Investigations and Official Conclusions
Warren Commission Findings
The Warren Commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in assassinating President Kennedy, based on ballistics, photographic, and testimonial evidence available at the time. Its report, published in 1964, remains a central reference in the publicly released investigation materials. The Commission’s analysis, methodologies, and conclusions are widely cited in official summaries and historical reviews.
Subsequent Reviews and Records
Later reviews, including those by the House Select Committee on Assassinations in the late 1970s, reaffirmed that Oswald was the shooter of President Kennedy while noting uncertainties in specific forensic details. The release of investigative files by the FBI and the National Archives has made primary documents accessible for independent research. These reviews are part of the enduring public record.
Legacy and Public Perception
Historical Context and Documentation
Oswald’s recorded activities—from his time in the Soviet Union to his employment at the Book Depository—are preserved in government files, academic research, and declassified materials. Public discussion often intersects with broader debates on transparency, evidence handling, and institutional trust. Understanding these layers helps contextual为什么某些信息传播迅速，而其他经过核实的内容却需要更长时间才能被接受。
Key Takeaways
- Verified records, including service, employment, and investigative documents, form the basis for factual understanding.
- Events surrounding November 1963 are documented across multiple official sources, reducing ambiguity at a high level of detail.
- Continued access to released files supports ongoing research while reinforcing the importance of source verification.
- Perception and interpretation may evolve as new analyses engage with existing evidence, but core facts remain anchored in documented material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are concise, sourced responses to common queries about identity, record, and status. These points reflect material available in public reports and archival repositories.
- What is the commonly referenced full name? The widely recognized name is Lee Harvey Oswald, tied to the investigation of President Kennedy’s assassination.
- When and where was he born? He was born on October 18, 1939, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
- What was his military role? He served as a Marine Corpsshooter, specializing in radar and radio operations, holding the rank of Lance Corporal at discharge.
- Where was he employed shortly before the events of 1963? He worked at the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas, Texas.
- What are the key investigation outcomes? The Warren Commission and later reviews identified him as the shooter of President Kennedy, concluding he acted alone, while certain details remain subject to further study.