Unveiling the Complex Connection: Kerry Thornley, Oswald, and the Garrison Investigation

It was a dark and turbulent time in American history when the name Lee Harvey Oswald resonated throughout the nation. The assassination of President John F. Kennedy sent shockwaves across the globe, leaving a void filled with unanswered questions and conspiracy theories. One of the most intriguing figures associated with this event is Kerry Thornley, whose connection to both Oswald and the Garrison Investigation shed light on a complex web of intrigue and suspicion. Let's explore this gripping story that intertwines the lives of Thornley, Oswald, and the investigation led by Jim Garrison.

The Enigmatic Kerry Thornley

Kerry Thornley, born in 1938, was a remarkable and enigmatic character with diverse interests and a deep fascination with conspiracies. Serving in the Marines alongside Oswald, the two crossed paths during their time stationed in Atsugi, Japan. While their relationship appeared to be casual, it was during this period that Thornley claimed to have witnessed Oswald's remarkable shooting skills.

Caught in the Crossfire: Kerry Thornley, Oswald and the Garrison Investigation

by Adam Gorightly (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17023 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	257 pages

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After leaving the Marines, Thornley pursued a career as a writer and became involved with the counterculture movement of the 1960s. His eccentric writings, including the book "The Idle Warriors," which featured a character resembling Oswald, brought him into the limelight and piqued the interest of various investigators, including Jim Garrison.

The Garrison Investigation

Jim Garrison, the District Attorney of Orleans Parish, New Orleans, became determined to uncover the truth behind JFK's assassination. In 1967, he launched an investigation that aimed to expose a conspiracy and ultimately led to the arrest of New Orleans businessman Clay Shaw. However, during the course of this investigation, Thornley became an unexpected person of interest.

Garrison alleged that Thornley, through his book and various activities, was involved in a sinister plot designed to slander Oswald's name and associate him with anti-American activities. Thornley, on the other hand, vehemently denied any involvement and claimed that his writings were purely fictional.

Kerry Thornley's "Prankster" Persona

Thornley's involvement in the Garrison investigation was further complicated by his ties to the infamous counter-culture group known as the Discordian Society. This society, founded by Thornley and his friend Greg Hill, aimed to disrupt societal norms and challenge the mainstream narrative.

By adopting the persona of "Malaclypse the Younger," Thornley and Hill embarked on a mission to undermine established institutions and promote chaotic principles. These actions, although seemingly harmless to Thornley, raised suspicions and made him an attractive target for Garrison's investigation.

The Thornley-Oswald Connection: Coincidence or Conspiracy?

Amidst the chaos of the Garrison investigation, the connection between Thornley and Oswald raised numerous questions. Thornley had indeed written about Oswald in his book before the assassination, but he claimed it was purely coincidental and that Oswald was merely an inspiration for his character. However, Garrison and his team were convinced that there was more to this connection than meets the eye.

Garrison alleged that Thornley's writings were part of a carefully constructed network aiming to misdirect investigators and incriminate Oswald. The fact that Thornley had served in the Marines alongside Oswald and witnessed his shooting skills only fueled their suspicions.

The Legacy of Thornley and the Garrison Investigation

The Garrison investigation ultimately caused Thornley considerable distress and turmoil. Despite never being charged or convicted, the mere association with the Kennedy assassination tainted his reputation and haunted him until his death in 1998. Many conspiracy theorists still ponder the true extent of Thornley's involvement and whether he was a pawn in a much larger game.

Undoubtedly, the Kerry Thornley-Oswald connection and its ties to the Garrison investigation remain an intriguing and complex puzzle within the broader JFK assassination narrative. The intertwining lives of these enigmatic figures continue to captivate researchers, historians, and conspiracy theorists alike, as they seek to unravel the truth behind one of America's greatest mysteries. Only by delving deeper into this convoluted web of intrigue can we hope to shed light on the events that unfolded during that fateful day in November 1963.

Caught in the Crossfire: Kerry Thornley, Oswald and the Garrison Investigation

by Adam Gorightly (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17023 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	257 pages

FREE

"Adam Gorightly offers a unique take on virtually every conspiracy of our time."—Erskine Payton, Erskine Overnight

Kerry Thornley never imagined that after starting a spoof religion in the 1950s that worshipped Eris—the Greek goddess of chaos and discord—that this seeming joke would unleash a torrent of actual chaos into his life in the years to follow.

During the late 1950s, Thornley became friends with Lee Harvey Oswald when the two served together in the Marines, and was actually writing a novel based on Oswald three years before John F. Kennedy's assassination. These connections would later cause New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison to suspect that Thornley was one of the notorious Oswald doubles and a part of a JFK assassination plot. Initially, Thornley denied these allegations, but later came to believe that he'd been used as an unwitting pawn in the conspiracy.

Adam Gorightly is best known for his book on the Manson Family, The Shadow Over Santa Susana: Black Magic, Mind Control and the Manson Family Mythos. Adam has appeared as a guest on numerous radio shows such as Coast To Coast AM with Ian Punnett and Ground Zero with Clyde Lewis. Television appearances include the History Channel's documentary The Manson Murders.