Lee Harvey Oswald is a name that resonates with one of the most infamous events in American history—the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Oswald’s life, marked by turbulence and controversy, has been scrutinized for decades. This article explores the financial aspects of his life, providing detailed insights, explanations, and historical context.
Early Life and Background
Lee Harvey Oswald was born on October 18, 1939, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His father, Robert Edward Lee Oswald Sr., died of a heart attack two months before his birth, leaving his mother, Marguerite Frances Claverie, to raise him and his siblings alone. Marguerite’s unstable life led the family to move frequently, and by the time Oswald began first grade in 1945, they had already relocated to Dallas, Texas.
Oswald’s childhood was marked by instability and behavioral issues. He switched schools often and was described as withdrawn and temperamental. His frequent truancy led to an evaluation by a psychiatrist at a juvenile reformatory, diagnosing him with a “personality disturbance with schizoid features.” This diagnosis was attributed to the lack of affection and stability in his upbringing.
Military Career
At the age of 17, Oswald enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, dropping out of high school to do so. His military career began in October 1956, and he was assigned to Marine Air Control Squadron 1 at the Naval Air Facility Atsugi near Tokyo, Japan. His time in the Marines was marked by disciplinary issues, including an altercation with a sergeant that led to his demotion from private first class to private.
Despite these issues, Oswald taught himself basic Russian, hinting at his later actions. In 1959, he received a hardship discharge, claiming he needed to care for his mother. Shortly thereafter, he traveled to the Soviet Union, where his story took a dramatic turn.
Time in the Soviet Union
Upon arriving in the Soviet Union, Oswald declared his intention to renounce his U.S. citizenship and become a Soviet citizen, professing his communist beliefs. Initially, his request was denied, but after a self-inflicted injury, he was allowed to stay and was sent to Minsk, Belarus. There, he worked at the Gorizont Electronics factory and lived a relatively comfortable life by Soviet standards, with a subsidized apartment and adequate income.
Despite these comforts, Oswald grew disillusioned with life in the Soviet Union and in 1962, he applied to repatriate to the United States. He returned in June of that year with his wife, Marina Prusakova, whom he had married in 1961, and their child.
Return to the United States and Political Activities
Back in the United States, Oswald struggled to maintain steady employment, often clashing with employers and coworkers. His political views became increasingly radical, and he engaged in various activities reflecting his communist beliefs. He even attempted to assassinate retired U.S. Major General Edwin Walker, a staunch anti-communist, although he was not charged for this crime at the time.
Assassination of John F. Kennedy
On November 22, 1963, Oswald’s actions culminated in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. From the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas, he fired the shots that killed Kennedy as his motorcade passed by. Later that day, he also killed Dallas police officer J.D. Tippit before being apprehended.
Oswald denied involvement in Kennedy’s assassination, claiming he was a patsy. However, on November 24, 1963, while being transferred from the city jail to the county jail, he was fatally shot by nightclub owner Jack Ruby, in full view of television cameras broadcasting live.
Financial Status at the Time of Death
At the time of his death, Lee Harvey Oswald’s net worth was a mere $250. His life of instability and controversial activities left him with minimal financial resources. Unlike other historical figures whose actions led to infamy, Oswald did not accumulate wealth through his deeds. His financial struggles were consistent with his troubled life, marked by frequent job changes and political radicalism.
Personal Life
Oswald’s personal life was as turbulent as his public actions. While in Belarus, he had a relationship with co-worker Ella German, but their relationship ended when she discovered he was seeing other women. Shortly after, he met Marina Prusakova, a 19-year-old student. They married in April 1961 and had a child, June Lee, before moving to the United States.
Legacy and Conspiracy Theories
The assassination of JFK remains one of the most discussed and theorized events in American history. The Warren Commission concluded in 1964 that Oswald acted alone in killing Kennedy. However, this conclusion has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories, with many Americans doubting the official version of events.
In the years following his death, claims surfaced that a look-alike Russian agent had been buried in Oswald’s place. These claims led to the exhumation of his body in the late 1970s, with dental records confirming his identity. Oswald’s remains were reburied in a new coffin due to water damage to the original.
Conclusion
Lee Harvey Oswald’s life was a complex tapestry of instability, radicalism, and controversy. From his troubled childhood and turbulent military career to his defection to the Soviet Union and eventual return to the United States, Oswald’s actions culminated in one of the most significant events in modern American history—the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Despite his infamy, Oswald’s financial status remained modest, with a net worth of only $250 at the time of his death. His legacy continues to inspire debate, reflection, and myriad conspiracy theories, cementing his place in the annals of American history.
