Lee Harvey Oswald
Lee Harvey Oswald (1939–1963) was an American former Marine and the accused assassin of U.S.
Lee Harvey Oswald (1939–1963) was an American former Marine and the accused assassin of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. He was arrested after Kennedy's assassination in Dallas and was fatally shot two days later while in police custody. The Warren Commission concluded that Oswald acted alone in the assassination.
Early life and military service
Oswald was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 18, 1939, and had a troubled childhood. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps as a teenager, where he later developed an interest in Marxism and the Soviet Union.
Defection to the Soviet Union
In 1959, Oswald defected to the Soviet Union and lived there for several years. He later returned to the United States with his Russian-born wife, Marina Oswald.
Kennedy assassination
Oswald worked at the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas at the time of President Kennedy's visit. He was arrested after Kennedy was shot on November 22, 1963, and was charged in connection with the assassination.
Death and investigations
Before he could stand trial, Oswald was shot and killed by Jack Ruby in Dallas Police custody on November 24, 1963. The Warren Commission later concluded that Oswald acted alone, although the case remains controversial.
Key facts
- Oswald defected to the Soviet Union and later returned to the United States with his wife.
- He worked at the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas in 1963.
- He was arrested after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.
- Oswald was fatally shot by Jack Ruby on November 24, 1963, while in police custody.
- The Warren Commission concluded that Oswald acted alone in Kennedy's assassination.
The Kennedy assassination was a major North American historical event and shaped public life, media coverage, and conspiracy debates in Canada as well as the United States.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Lee Harvey Oswald?
When was Lee Harvey Oswald born?
How did Lee Harvey Oswald die?
Was Lee Harvey Oswald ever tried in court?
What did the Warren Commission conclude?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lee-Harvey-OswaldSupports: Birth and death dates, identification as the accused assassin, and death by Jack Ruby.
- U.S. National Archives — https://www.archives.gov/research/jfk/warren-commission-report/chapter-7.htmlSupports: Warren Commission conclusion that Oswald acted alone.
- Texas State Historical Association — https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/oswald-lee-harveySupports: Birthplace, Marine Corps service, arrest, and death in Dallas.
- EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/lee-harvey-oswaldSupports: Marine Corps service, defection to the Soviet Union, return to the U.S., and work at the Texas School Book Depository.