Mr. Hubert.

This is the deposition of J. E. (Bill) Decker.
Mr. Decker, my name is Leon Hubert. I am a member of the advisory staff of the general counsel of the President's Commission under the provisions of Executive Order 11130, dated November 29, 1963, the joint resolution of Congress 137, and the rules of procedure adopted by the Commission in conformity with the Executive order and the joint resolution. I have been authorized to take a sworn deposition from you, Sheriff Decker. I state to you now that the general nature of the inquiry of the Commission's inquiry is to ascertain, evaluate, and to report upon facts relating to the assassination of President Kennedy and the subsequent violent death of Lee Harvey Oswald.
In particular as to you, Sheriff Decker, the nature of the inquiry today is to determine what facts you may know about the death of Oswald and any other pertinent. facts you may know about the general inquiry, including the security of Oswald, and the method and so forth by which he was killed. I think, Sheriff Decker, that you have appeared here today by virtue of a letter written to you by Mr. J. Lee Rankin?

Mr. Decker.

Yes; I think that's correct.

Mr. Hubert.

Who is the General Counsel of the staff of the President's Commission?

Mr. Decker.

I know there was a letter--anyway, I am here due to that reason.

Mr. Hubert.

I had the impression you had a letter, but let me say this, that in any event, you are appearing here by virtue of a request made to appear here?

Mr. Decker.

I was notified by the U.S. Secret Service to appear here and I presume that was a summons.

Mr. Hubert.

Then, that would be because we did not wish to go through the formalities here-?

Mr. Decker.

That's right.

Mr. Hubert.

In that case, however, I must state to you that under the rules and regulations of the Commission, every witness is entitled to a 3-day written notice before appearing.

Mr. Decker.

I understand.

Mr. Hubert.

But the Commission does provide that the witness may waive that 3 days' notice and I now ask you if you are willing to waive it and testify now ?

Mr. Decker.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Hubert.

Will you stand up, please, and I will administer the oath? Do you solemnly swear the testimony you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?

Mr. Decker.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Hubert.

Will you state your name?

Mr. Decker.

Bill Decker.

Mr. Hubert.

Your age?

Mr. Decker.

Sir, 66.

Mr. Hubert.

And your residence?

Mr. Decker.

6302 Palo Pinto.

Mr. Hubert.

What is your occupation?

Mr. Decker.

I am Sheriff of Dallas County.

Mr. Hubert.

How long have you been sheriff?

Mr. Decker.

Since January 1, 1949.

Mr. Hubert.

Well, you have been reelected a number of times

Mr. Decker.

Yes,-sir.

Mr. Hubert.

How many times?

Mr. Decker.

I am serving my 16 years---I had two of those one of those terms for a 4-year term, but we caught 2 years prior to that--that makes 4 from 16, leaves 12, 3 and I is 4 terms and I am coming for my fifth now.

Mr. Hubert.

What was your occupation prior to the time that you became sheriff ?

Mr. Decker.

I was chief deputy sheriff for Dallas County 14 years prior to that. Prior to that I was chief deputy constable since 1924, prior to that I