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Warren Commission Hearings: Vol. X - Page 205« Previous | Next »

(Testimony of Dennis Hyman Ofstein)

Mr. Jenner.
But you did ask him?
Mr. Ofstein.
I believe I did; yes, sir.
Mr. Jenner.
And he declined?
Mr. Ofstein.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Jenner.
And at least he didn't accept the invitation?
Mr. Ofstein.
Right.
Mr. Jenner.
Did you notice in particular, since you mentioned this without my prompting, that he did eat all by himself?
Mr. Ofstein.
I noticed that he didn't eat with anyone in the shop.
Mr. Jenner.
He was not a friendly person, then?
Mr. Ofstein.
He wasn't an outgoing person. I thought he could be friendly if, as with the Russian language incident--there was something in common, something that would take an interest in.
Mr. Jenner.
But .he made no effort to develop things in common with others; is that right?
Mr. Ofstein.
No; that's right.
Mr. Jenner.
Did you have any impression that he had an attitude of resentment toward anybody or anything or his lot in life?
Mr. Ofstein.
Not extremely or exactly resentment. I would say he didn't get along with people and that several people had words with him at times about the way he barged around the plant, and one of the fellows back in the photo setter department almost got in a fight-with him one day, and I believe it was Mr. Graef that stepped in and broke it up before it got started, but he was also offered rides by Mr. Graef, and I offered him a ride a couple of-times either to his home or wherever he wanted to catch a bus, and I know that he always declined my offer of a ride.
Mr. Jenner.
What did he say?
Mr. Ofstein.
He said; no, he would go ahead and walk, and usually in the evening when he would leave he would say, "I am going up to the post office to pick up my mail, and a couple of times I would offer to give him a ride up this way, as it wasn't much out of my way and I have to come in this direction anyway to Live Oak before I turn, which is only about a block difference, and he always declined to ride and would walk.
Mr. Jenner.
Did the subject matter of his experience with firearms ever arise?
Mr. Ofstein.
I don't believe so.
Mr. Jenner.
Was there any discussion at any time in which he indicated or in which there was discussion of his ability in the use of firearms?
Mr. Ofstein.
It seems that he said while he was in the Marines that he qualified as a marksman.
Mr. Jenner.
By the way, what is that rating; do you know?
Mr. Ofstein.
I'm not certain in the Marines--it differs from the Army, I am sure.
Mr. Jenner.
What is a marksman in the Army, what level of skill is that?
Mr. Ofstein.
If I remember correctly, marksman is just barely qualifying, and "expert," of course, is the top you can go. Mr. JENNER. I have read about snipers--are they "experts" is that their classification?
Mr. Ofstein.
I'm not certain, but I'm sure they have to be fairly handy with a weapon.
Mr. Jenner.
Your recollection is a little uncertain in this area, is it not?
Mr. Ofstein.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Jenner.
That is, with respect to what Oswald might or did say to you on the subject?
Mr. Ofstein.
I know he said he qualified and I'm almost certain that he said as a marksman.
Mr. Jenner.
Did your discussion go beyond that; did he elaborate on it in other words?
Mr. Ofstein.
No, sir.
Mr. Jenner.
And that's about the only-instance in your recollection in which there was a discussion on the subject?
Mr. Ofstein.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Jenner.
What about his industry, his promptness, his attendance?
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