Commission Non-Reliance on Polygraph Results for Report Conclusions
The Commission did not rely on the results of the polygraph examination in reaching the conclusions stated in the report.
Appendix XVIII Footnotes
The Appendix XVIII footnotes provide the citation conventions used throughout the Commission’s work. For references to the testimony of witnesses before the Commission, the form is: number of volume, “H” (for “Hearings before the President’s Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy”), page number, and the name of the witness in parentheses, e.g., 7 H 441 (O’Donnell). Commission exhibits are referred to by the capital letters “CE” and number; deposition exhibits by the name of the witness, the capital letters “DE,” and the number or letter of his exhibit, e.g., CE 705; Sorrels DE 1. References to audiovisual sources for one Dallas broadcasting station (WFAA) are cited as follows: PKT for video tapes, PKF for films, and PKA for audio tapes. The video and audio reels and tapes of other stations are cited by number, e.g., WFAA-TV reel PKT 10; KBLD-TV reel 13.
Witness, Exhibit and Audiovisual Source Citation Form
The Witness, Exhibit and Audiovisual Source Citation Form establishes the standardized referencing system for the Commission’s work. Witness testimony is cited by volume number, “H” designation, page number, and witness name in parentheses. Commission exhibits use “CE” plus number, while deposition exhibits use the witness name, “DE,” and the exhibit number or letter. Audiovisual materials from WFAA use PKT (video tapes), PKF (films), and PKA (audio tapes), and other stations’ reels and tapes are cited by number.
Foreword
The Foreword provides cross-references to the Executive Order and other foundational documents. Executive Order No. 11130 is set forth as appendix I. The White House press release is set forth as appendix II. Senate Joint Resolution 137 (Public Law 88-202) is set forth as appendix III. The names of all witnesses are set forth in appendix V. The procedures of the Commission are set forth as appendix VI.
CHAPTER II
The Warren Commission investigated the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, examining testimony from Governor John B. Connally Jr., Kenneth O’Donnell, and multiple Secret Service agents including Roy H. Kellerman, James J. Rowley, and Winston G. Lawson. The investigation reviewed documentary evidence including Commission Exhibits 707, 768, 769, 770, 1022, and others to reconstruct the events of November 22, 1963. The Commission gathered statements from agents including Emory P. Roberts, John D. Ready, and George W. Hickey Jr., documenting their roles in the motorcade and security arrangements. Evidence included aerial views of Dealey Plaza and the Triple Underpass, as well as records of the advance work and security protocols for the Dallas visit. The investigation considered the adequacy of protective arrangements and documented testimony from President Lyndon B. Johnson, Mrs. Johnson, and agents responsible for their security.
CHAPTER II
Testimony regarding the motorcade and security arrangements was provided by Governor Connally, Secret Service agents, and advance personnel. Agent Lawson conducted advance work detailed in contemporaneous memoranda, while Agent Sorrels managed Dallas field office operations. Security protocols included agent positioning in follow-up cars and emergency response procedures. The motorcade route passed through Dealey Plaza where the assassination occurred. Agents assigned to the presidential follow-up car included Clint Hill and others, with Rufus W. Youngblood responsible for Vice President Johnson’s protection. Documentary evidence including photographs and the statement of Donald J. Lawton and Roger C. Warner documented security procedures and agent assignments. Emergency medical response occurred at Parkland Memorial Hospital where Dr. Charles J. Carrico, Dr. Malcolm O. Perry, and other medical personnel treated the wounded. Autopsy procedures were conducted and documented by Commander James J. Humes. Testimony from Mrs. Kennedy, Mrs. Connally, and Senator Ralph W. Yarborough provided additional perspectives on the events. Agent testimony and statements from David B. Grant, Samuel E. Sulliman, Ernest E. Olsson Jr., and other personnel detailed post-assassination security and investigative procedures. Records including CE 387, CE 392, and CE 1126 documented statements and evidence collection.
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