Description:

L.H. Oswald Gripping Eyewitness Account of His Capture & Arrest

Two documents relating to John F. Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald, compiled by Maurice "Nick" McDonald, the Dallas police officer who apprehended Oswald in the Texas Theatre. Comprised of a printed account 2x signed by Officer McDonald; along with a high-quality photocopy of an original Dallas Police Department record signed by Officer McDonald.

35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) was shot by gunman Lee Harvey Oswald (1939-1963) in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963. Authorities reconstructed Oswald's whereabouts after the lunchtime shooting, tracing him from the 6th Floor of the Texas School Book Depository, to the Texas Theatre located in downtown Dallas. Oswald was discovered hiding in the movie theater by Officer Maurice "Nick" McDonald (1928-2005), who recounted the harrowing arrest in the account below. The lot provides us with eerie insights into the presidential assassin.

The lot includes:

1. 2pp printed document entitled "The Arrest and Capture of Lee Harvey Oswald, by Officer Maurice 'Nick' McDonald, 11/22/63". Inscribed and signed by McDonald at the top of the first page as "To Roy Hansel [sic], Best Wishes, Officer Maurice 'Nick' McDonald". Also signed by McDonald at the conclusion as "Officer Maurice 'Nick' McDonald". A gentle corner fold and staple holes at upper left. Else near fine. 8.5" x 11".

On the afternoon of November 22nd, Officer McDonald had reported to the Texas Theatre to investigate the shooting of fellow policeman J.D. Tippit, who was his friend and locker mate. Lee Harvey Oswald was the primary suspect.

Officer McDonald wrote in part:

"After I had entered the Texas Theatre, I went to the exit curtains, to the left of the movie screen…

…I notice that there are only 10 or 15 patrons for this Friday matinee, of a showing of the double billed feature, 'Cry of Battle' and 'War is Hell'. How factual their titles would relate to reality in just a few moments!...

Like a hunter, I am secretly stalking the prey [Oswald]…I am almost there now.

Still no movement from him. The diversion is working. I turn suddenly and quickly, into his row. Moving closer, I notice his empty hands are folded in his lap. As he calmly looks up to me, I speak in a strong voice of authority, 'Get on your feet!' He has suddenly realized that he has waited too long to make a free and open move of aggression. He stands up slowly, facing the movie screen. Turning his head to me, we are face to face. I stare directly into his icy cold, steel blue eyes…"

Officer McDonald was injured just moments later when Oswald attempted to fire point-blank range at him.

2. Photocopy of original Dallas Police Department record, Arrest Report on Investigative Prisoner Lee Harvey Oswald, showing McDonald as the primary arresting officer, and signed by McDonald as "M. N. McDonald 1178" along the bottom.

In recognition of his heroism in capturing Oswald, McDonald received the Dallas Police Medal of Valor and was also inducted into the National Police Hall of Fame. McDonald retired from the Dallas Police Department as a sergeant, after 25 years on the force, in 1980. One can see from this excerpt that Officer McDonald had a natural talent for writing. He produced a longer manuscript, entitled "Oswald and I", in 1993.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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June 10, 2020 10:30 AM EDT
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