Don R. Ables

The testimony of Don R. Ables was taken at 9:45 a.m., on April 9, 1964, in the office of the U.S. attorney, 301 Post Office Building, Bryan and Ervay Streets, Dallas, Tex., by Mr. Joseph A. Ball, assistant counsel of the President's Commission.

Would you stand up and be sworn? Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?

I do.

Will you state your name, please.

Don R. Ables.

Where do you live, Mr. Ables?

1520 Kingsley, in Garland.

What is your business or occupation?

Jail clerk, Dallas Police Department.

How long have you been a jail clerk in the Dallas Police Department?

About 7 months.

And you are a member of the police department?

I am a civilian employee.

Civilian employee? You are not----

An actual member of the----

An actual member of the department?

No, sir.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Hico, Tex.

How do you spell that? You probably know it. I don't.

[Spelling] H-i-c-o.

[Spelling] H-i-c-o. Did you got to school there?

Yes, sir.

How far through school?

Well, through 10 1/2 grades.

Then where did you go?

Joined the Navy.

How long were you in the Navy?

Seven and a half years.

What did you do when you got out of the Navy?

Came straight to Dallas and went to work for the police department.

That was 7 months ago.

Yes, sir.

You were on duty on November 22, 1963, were you?

Yes, sir.

In the afternoon? Did you take part in a showup?

Yes, sir.