Testimony of Edward C. Dietrich

The testimony of Edward C. Dietrich was taken at 7:45 p.m., on July 13, 1964, in the office of the U.S. attorney, 301 Post Office Building, Bryan and Ervay Streets, Dallas, Tex., by Mr. Leon D. Hubert, Jr., assistant counsel of the President's Commission. Sam Kelley, assistant attorney general of Texas, was present.

Mr. Hubert.

This is the deposition of Mr. Edward C. Dietrich. Mr. Dietrich, 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, and the joint resolution of Congress, No. 137, and the rules of procedure adopted by the President's Commission in conformance. with that Executive order and the Joint resolution, I have been authorized to take a sworn deposition from you, among others.
I state to you now that the general nature of the Commission's inquiry is to ascertain, evaluate, and report upon the facts relevant to the assassination of President Kennedy and the subsequent violent death of Lee Harvey Oswald.
In particular as to you, Mr. Dietrich, the nature of the inquiry today is to determine what facts you know about the death of Oswald and any other pertinent facts you may know about the general inquiry.
I understand, Mr. Dietrich, that you are appearing here tonight by virtue of a request made of you by letter by Mr. J. Lee Rankin, general counsel on the staff of the President's Commission, which you have stated to me that you received on July 9, 1964, is that right?

Mr. Dietrich.

On or about that date; yes, sir.

Mr. Hubert.

All right, will you stand and raise your hand, please?
Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you are about to give us in this matter will be the truth, the whole, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?

Mr. Dietrich.

I do, sir.

Mr. Hubert.

State your full name for the record,. please.

Mr. Dietrich.

Edward C. Dietrich.

Mr. Hubert.

Where do you reside?

Mr. Dietrich.

668 Harter Road, Dallas, Tex.

Mr. Hubert.

What is your employment?

Mr. Dietrich.

I am a guard with the Armored Motor Service.

Mr. Hubert.

How long have you been employed by them, sir?

Mr. Dietrich.

About 8 years, sir.

Mr. Hubert.

What is your position as a guard?

Mr. Dietrich.

We are referred to as an armored motor operator. Guard or driver. I don't think we have any official title.

Mr. Hubert.

You work under Mr. Bert Hall?

Mr. Dietrich.

Marvin Bert Hall; yes, sir. Bert being--

Mr. Hubert.

A nickname?

Mr. Dietrich.

Nickname; yes, sir.

Mr. Hubert.

Were you on duty on Sunday, November 24?

Mr. Dietrich.

I was off duty up until about 10 o'clock when my mother received a call from Mr. Harold Fleming, who is one of our executives. He works out of the Fort Worth office, which is our main headquarters.
He called my mother asking if I were there, and she told him I had stepped out of the house for a few minutes.
I was dressed at the time, because we were going to dinner about 11:30.
Upon returning to my home about 10:30, my mother informed me of the telephone call. And since Mr. Fleming had left his number, I called him, and he advised me that he had something for me to do, that if I could, he would appreciate it if I would meet he and Mr. Hall at the Armored Motor Service terminal as soon as possible.

Mr. Hubert.

That is 1800 Leonard Avenue?

Mr. Dietrich.

Leonard Street.

Mr. Hubert.

Leonard Street?