</s>1 SL 44-775 EJM/leh RE: SUSPECT ERNEST SUMPTER GALT AT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI A review on April 12, 1968, of the personnel records, National Personnel Records Center (Civilian Personnel Records), St. Louis Missouri, by TC EDWARD J. MERGEN, indicated that ERNEST SUM, 1942, GAULA, by IC EDWARDJ. MERGEN, with the Veterans Ad- March 18, 1942. HospitalAttendant with the Veteran Ad- ministration, at North Little Rock, Arkansas. This employment was terminated on July 13, 1942; and a Hospital Attendant, by reason of termination for failure to report for duty. He was employed on December 5, 1947, as a Hospital Hospital Administration Hospital Ward, at north Little Rock. Arkansas, Effective October 14, 1948, he was suspended for a period of five days for making a false statement. This Employment was by reason or resignation because of leaving the state of Mental, Arkansas due to illness in the family. He was Employed on December 13, 1951, as A Deckhand, when actually employed, with The Department of Commerce, Inland St. Lawrence Corporation, Federal Barge Lines, Marine Division, 28, 1958, asa Deckhand because of separation for abandonment of position - failed to return from authorized leave. He was employing on March 4, 1952, as Deckhand. when actually Employed with the Department ofCommerce, Inhand Waterways Corporation, federal Barge Lines, Marine division at St. Louis, 1952. as a Deckhand by the Department for a Division July 21, 1952; as a De Deckhand to return to separation for aban- donent of position - fail to return for authorized leave, He He was employed in May 25, 1953, as of Deckhand when actually employed with the Department of Commerce. Inland Waterways Corporation, Federal Barge Lines, Marina Division, St. Louisiana Corporation,Federal Barge Line, Marine D division, October 16, 1953 as a Deckerand by reason of reduction in force "action taken because of sale of Barge lines necessitating abolishment of all positions of computing area in accordance with provisions of Act of Congress ... 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
This document details investigations into James Earl Ray’s criminal activities in St. Louis, Missouri, focusing on a robbery case from October 9, 1959. It includes arrest records, weapon discoveries, employment checks, and personal information about Ray and his associates. The text also references unrelated military service records for James Earl Ray, Ernest Raynes, and Jerry RAYNES, as well as FBI and Veterans Administration files. While the document does not directly reference Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, it contextualizes Ray’s criminal history, which has been historically linked to broader investigations into his potential involvement in the 1968 assassination.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Central figure in the 1959 St. Louis robbery case; arrested for robbery with a deadly weapon and operating an unlicensed vehicle.  
- **James Owens**: Co-conspirator in the 1959 robbery, described as the lookout during the crime.  
- **Ernest Raynes** and **Jerry RAYNES**: Mentioned in military and civilian records from the 1930s–1940s; family ties to Missouri and Illinois communities.  
- **Wells Vernon**: Separate individual with Air Force service records (1961–1964) and disciplinary actions.  

Key Locations  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Site of the 1959 robbery case and Ray’s residence (4023 Olive Street, later 2023 Park Avenue).  
- **Alton, Illinois**: Mentioned as a location for James Earl Ray’s employment at International Shoe Company (1944–1945).  
- **Quincy, Illinois** and **Ewing, Missouri**: Locations tied to the Raynes family during the Great Depression era.  

Key Events  
- **October 9, 1959 Robbery**: Ray and Owens robbed a Kroger store in St. Louis using two vehicles; Ray brandished a .765 caliber Browning Automatic.  
- **Arrests and Charges**: Both men arrested for robbery with a deadly weapon, operating an unlicensed vehicle, and resisting arrest.  
- **Weapon Discoveries**: Police found firearms at Ray’s home, including a .765 caliber Browning Automatic (Serial #5795) and a revolver (Serial #249).  
- **Employment Checks**: Commercial bakery records from 1968 showed no employment history for Ray as a baker, despite his claims.  

Key Organizations  
- **Bakers Union #4 (St. Louis)**: No record of Ray’s membership or employment as a baker.  
- **FBI**: Maintained records on James Earl Ray (FBI Number 743-226B.G.) and other individuals.  
- **Veterans Administration**: Held files on military service and benefits claims for individuals like Ernest Raynes and Wells Vernon.  

Additional Notes: The document includes administrative records from the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Veterans Administration, focusing on disciplinary actions, employment history, and family connections. While not directly tied to MLK’s assassination, it contextualizes Ray’s criminal background, which has been historically associated with broader investigations into his potential involvement in the 1968 event. No social security numbers or other sensitive identifiers are included.

MLK Declassified Files

44-kc-760_404058_171-01-part_3_of_9.pdf

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