Auditions de la Commission Warren: James W. Altgens

The testimony of James W. Altgens was taken at 12:45 p.m., on July 22, 1964, in the office of the U.S. attorney, 301 Post Office Building, Bryan and Ervay Streets, Dallas, Tex., by Mr. Wesley J. Liebeler, assistant counsel of the President's Commission.

Mr. Liebeler.

Will you please stand and take the oath. 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?

Mr. Altgens.

I do.

Mr. Liebeler.

Mr. Altgens, my name is Wesley J. Liebeler. I am an attorney on the staff of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy. I have been authorized to take your testimony by the Commission, pursuant to authority granted to it by President Johnson's Executive Order No. 11130, dated November 29, 1963, and the Joint resolution of Congress No. 137. Under the rules of the Commission's proceedings you are entitled to have an attorney present if you want one. If you don't think you need one, it's perfectly all right. You are entitled to 3 days' notice and you may actually have gotten 3 days' notice, but if you did not, I presume you are prepared to go ahead, since you are here?

Mr. Altgens.

Yes; as a matter of fact I had more than 3 days' notice because the time that was originally set up was postponed for almost an additional week, so I had plenty of time.

Mr. Liebeler.

Would you state your full name for the record, please?

Mr. Altgens.

James W. Altgens [spelling], A-l-t-g-e-n-s.

Mr. Liebeler.

Where do you live sir?

Mr. Altgens.

6441 Pemberton [spelling], P-e-m-b-e-r-t-o-n Drive.

Mr. Liebeler.

Here in Dallas?

Mr. Altgens.

Yes; Dallas.

Mr. Liebeler.

Are you employed here in Dallas at the present time?

Mr. Altgens.

Yes.

Mr. Liebeler.

In what capacity?

Mr. Altgens.

Officially, I am hired as a wire photo operator, but they use me in three different classifications. I am a photographer and a news photo editor as well as a wire photo operator.

Mr. Liebeler.

By whom are you employed?

Mr. Altgens.

The Associated Press, Dallas Bureau.

Mr. Liebeler.

How long have you been employed by the AP?

Mr. Altgens.

Approximately 26 1/2 years.

Mr. Liebeler.

So one might say you are an experienced photographer and have a little experience in the area of photographic work?