Report of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy

First Court-Martial for Unregistered Firearm

The Judge Advocate General concluded that Oswald had displayed “a certain degree of carelessness or negligence” by storing a loaded revolver in his locker, but that his injury was incurred “in the line of duty” and not due to his own misconduct. He was charged with possession of an unregistered privately owned weapon in violation of general orders. Following a court-martial on April 11, 1958, Oswald was sentenced to confinement at hard labor for 20 days, forfeiture of $25 per month for two months, and reduction to the grade of private. The confinement was suspended for six months, after which it was to be remitted.

MACS-1 Philippine Deployment and Performance Ratings

Five days after Oswald left the hospital, MACS-1 embarked aboard the Terrell County (LST 1157) for maneuvers in the Philippine Islands area. According to Powers, the squadron was expected to return to Atsugi, but an international crisis prompted it to debark at Cubi Point, Subic Bay, and set up a temporary installation. While in the Philippines, Oswald passed the eligibility test for corporal but received his lowest ratings yet: 4.0 in conduct and 3.9 in proficiency. The unit participated in exercises at Corregidor, then sailed for Atsugi on March 7, 1958, aboard the U.S.S. Wexford County (LST 1168), arriving 11 days later.

Second Court-Martial for Bluebird Cafe Altercation

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 for assaulting the officer by pouring a drink on him. The court found that Oswald had spilled the drink accidentally but, when shoved away, had invited the sergeant outside in insulting language. Oswald admitted being drunk and inviting the sergeant outside but did not recall insulting him. He was sentenced to confinement at hard labor for 28 days and forfeiture of $55; the previously suspended sentence was also withdrawn. He remained in confinement until August 13. A previously granted extension of overseas duty was canceled, and he received ratings of 1.9 in conduct and 3.4 in proficiency.