He had previously, before going into the Coast Guard, joined the Marine Corps Reserve, the base of which was, at that time, at Grand Prairie, Tex. I believe it was 105 Howitzer, something like that. And he was perhaps in that 4 or 5 months before he joined the Coast Guard. When it came up about the Coast Guard, I believe we all talked about it, or at least he talked to Lee about it in front of me.
Mr. Jenner. You used an expression, "I believe we talked about it." Is it your recollection that you did?
Mr. Oswald. Yes, sir. Nothing that I remember particular about that.
Mr. Jenner. What was the character of the discussion, Mr. Oswald? You had a family in which your mother was having some difficulty supporting you boys? You had a brother who needed to be supported. Was there any discussion—or was there a discussion of what would happen in the event that first John and then you joined the service?
Mr. Oswald. I believe reflecting on what mother said to me when I made my decision to join the Marine Corps was that perhaps it was the best thing, where I would not be a burden to her to that extent, and also perhaps be able to help her when she needed help. And I think this would be in line with what was said when John left for the Coast Guard, that this would be, of course, one less for her to take care of at the house, to feed and to clothe, and so forth. And it would relieve her of her responsibility along that line—it would help her, because of the limited amount of funds that she had coming in.
Mr. Jenner. Did you ever make an allotment of any portion of your service pay to your mother?
Mr. Oswald. No, sir; I did not.
Mr. Jenner. To your knowledge, did John?
Mr. Oswald. No, sir; he did not.
Mr. Jenner. You were single at this time?