Testimony of Daniel Patrick Powers

The testimony of Daniel Patrick Powers was taken on May 1, 1964, at Courthouse, Chicago, Ill, by Mr. Albert E. Jenner, Jr., assistant counsel of the President's Commission.

Daniel Patrick Powers, called as a witness herein, having been first duly sworn, was examined, and testified as follows:

Mr. Jenner.

This young man is Daniel Patrick Powers. He lives at 401 12th Avenue West, Menomonie, Wis. Did I correctly state those facts?

Mr. Powers.

That's correct.

Mr. Jenner.

Mr. Powers, I have given you what supplements my telephone conversation earlier in the week, Mr. Rankin's letter--he is general counsel for the Commission--advising you of the creation of the Commission and enclosing the Joint Resolution No. 137, which is a resolution authorizing the creation of the Commission; and President Johnson's Executive Order 11130, which did create the Commission; and then the rules and regulations of the Commission itself for the taking of depositions.
And from those papers and my conversation with you earlier, you are aware, are you not, that the Commission has been enjoined and has the duty of investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding and involved in the assassination of our late President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. We have been interviewing a number of witnesses, persons who, by pure happenstance, had some contact with some of the people involved, who became involved in that tragic event.
One of those persons is a man by the name of Lee Harvey Oswald. It is our information that you had some contact with him while you were in the Armed Forces of the United States, and I would like to ask you a few questions if I might. You are an ex-service man?

Mr. Powers.

That's correct.

Mr. Jenner.

And you were a member of the Marine Corps?

Mr. Powers.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Jenner.

And your number was 1497089.

Mr. Powers.

1497089; that's correct.

Mr. Jenner.

And the dates of your service, according to our records, are December 18, 1954---that's wrong, or am I right? You entered the Reserves of the Marines in December 18, 1954, and served in active duty in the Marines November 1, 1956 to October 1, 1958?

Mr. Powers.

What's correct.

Mr. Jenner.

Is that all correct?

Mr. Powers.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Jenner.

I think it will be well if you start out by telling us what and who you are right at the moment.

Mr. Powers.

At the moment, presently I'm teaching at the Menomonie Public School System in Wisconsin, and I'm teaching physical education with the additional duties of head football and wrestling coach.

Mr. Jenner.

And you are a married man?

Mr. Powers.

That's correct.

Mr. Jenner.

And with a family?

Mr. Powers.

Of two children.

Mr. Jenner.

Two children. And you're a native-born American?

Mr. Powers.

That's also correct.

Mr. Jenner.

And where were you born?

Mr. Powers.

I was born in Minneapolis, Minn. Actually, I believe my birth certificate says Minneapolis, Minn.; that's correct.

Mr. Jenner.

And Mrs. Powers?

Mr. Powers.

Was born in St. Paul, Minn.

Mr. Jenner.

Now, during your service in the Marines, did you become acquainted with a man--fellow marine, known as Lee Harvey Oswald?

Mr. Powers.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Jenner.

And do you recall him now?

Mr. Powers.

Yes; I do.