area.347 According to Powers' recollection, the squadron was expected to return to Atsugi after maneuvers were completed, but an international crisis developed; since another operation was scheduled for a few months later, the squadron debarked at Cubi Point (Subic Bay) in the Philippines and set up a temporary installation.348 While he was in the Philippines, Oswald passed a test of eligibility for the rank of corporal; 349 in a semiannual evaluation, however, he was given his lowest ratings thus far: 4.0 in conduct and 3.9 in proficiency.350 The unit participated in exercises at Corregidor, from which it sailed for Atsugi on March 7, 1958, aboard the U.S.S. Wexford County, LST 1168.351 The Wexford County reached Atsugi 11 days later.352

Oswald was court-martialed a second time on June 27, for using "provoking words" to a noncommissioned officer (a sergeant) on June 20, at the Bluebird Cafe in Yamato, and assaulting the officer by pouring a drink on him.353 The findings were that Oswald spilled the drink accidentally, but when the sergeant shoved him away, Oswald invited the sergeant outside in insulting language.354 Oswald admitted that he was rather drunk and had invited the sergeant outside but did not recall insulting him.355 He was sentenced to be confined at hard labor for 28 days and to forfeit $55; 356 in addition, suspension of the previous sentence of confinement was withdrawn.357 He was in confinement until August 13.358 Meanwhile, a previously granted extension of oversea duty was canceled,359 and he was given ratings of 1.9 in conduct and 3.4 in proficiency.360

On September 14, Oswald sailed with his unit for the South China Sea area; the unit was at Ping Tung, North Taiwan on September 30, and returned to Atsugi on October 5.361 On October 6, he was transferred out of MACS-1 and put on general duty, in anticipation of his return to the United States.362 He spent several days thereafter in the Atsugi Station Hospital.363 On October 31, he received his last oversea ratings: 4.0 in both conduct and proficiency.364

Oswald appears generally to have been regarded by his fellows overseas as an intelligent person who followed orders and did his work well, but who complained frequently.365 He did not associate much with other marines and continued to read a great deal.366 Paul Murphy testified that Oswald could speak "a little Russian" while he was overseas.367 Powers believed that Oswald became more assertive in Japan and thought that he might have had a Japanese girl friend.368 He departed from Yokosuka on board the USNS Barbet on November 2, and arrived in San Francisco 13 days later.369 On November 19, he took 30 days' leave.370

On December 22, Oswald was assigned to Marine Air Control Squadron No. 9 (MACS-9) at the Marine Corps Air Station at El Toro, where he had been briefly before he went overseas.371 He was one of about seven enlisted men and three officers who formed a "radar crew," engaged primarily in aircraft surveillance.372 This work probably gave him access to certain kinds of classified material, some of which, such as aircraft call signs and radio frequencies, was