Heart Findings
The Heart findings described a smooth-walled pericardial cavity containing approximately 10 cc of straw-colored fluid. The heart had an essentially normal external contour, weighed 350 grams, and showed no abnormalities when the pulmonary artery was opened in situ. The cardiac chambers contained moderate amounts of postmortem clotted blood, and there were no gross abnormalities of any valve leaflets. The cardiac valve circumferences were: aortic 7.5 cm, pulmonic 7 cm, tricuspid 12 cm, mitral 11 cm. The myocardium was firm and reddish brown, with the left ventricular myocardium averaging 1.2 cm in thickness and the right ventricular myocardium 0.4 cm. The coronary arteries were of normal distribution, smooth walled, and elastic throughout.
Abdominal Cavity Findings
The Abdominal Cavity findings indicated that the abdominal organs were in their normal positions and relationships, with no increase in free peritoneal fluid. The vermiform appendix was surgically absent, and a few adhesions joined the cecal region to the ventral abdominal wall at the site of the old abdominal incisional scar.
Skeletal System Findings
The Skeletal System findings indicated that, aside from the previously described skull wounds, there were no significant gross skeletal abnormalities.
Photography Documentation
The Photography section noted that black and white and color photographs depicting significant findings were exposed but not developed. These photographs were placed in the custody of U.S. Secret Service Agent Roy H. Kellerman, who executed an attached receipt.
Roentgenogram Documentation
The Roentgenograms section noted that roentgenograms were made of the entire body and of the three separately submitted fragments of skull bone. The films were developed and placed in the custody of U.S. Secret Service Agent Roy H. Kellerman, who executed an attached receipt.
Autopsy Summary
The Autopsy Summary concluded that the deceased died as a result of two perforating gunshot wounds inflicted by high-velocity projectiles fired by a person or persons unknown, with the projectiles fired from a point behind and somewhat above the level of the deceased. The observations and available information did not permit a satisfactory estimate as to the sequence of the two wounds. The fatal missile entered the skull above and to the right of the external occipital protuberance, with a portion of the projectile traversing the cranial cavity in a posterior-anterior direction and depositing minute particles along its path, and a portion making its exit through the right parietal bone, carrying with it portions of cerebrum, skull, and scalp. The two skull wounds combined with the force of the missile produced extensive fragmentation of the skull, laceration of the superior sagittal sinus, and laceration of the right cerebral hemisphere. The other missile entered the right superior posterior thorax above the scapula, traversed the soft tissues of the supra-scapular and supra-clavicular portions of the base of the right side of the neck, produced contusions of the right apical parietal pleura and the apical portion of the right upper lobe of the lung, contused the strap muscles of the right side of the neck, damaged the trachea, and exited through the anterior surface of the neck. As far as could be ascertained, this missile struck no bony structures in its path through the body. The pathologists concluded that the wound of the skull produced such extensive damage to the brain as to preclude the possibility of the deceased surviving this injury.
Supplementary Report Note
The Supplementary Report Note stated that a supplementary report would be submitted following more detailed examination of the brain and of microscopic sections, but it was not anticipated that these examinations would materially alter the findings.
CHAPITRE II. With the assistance of Agent in Charge Sorrels of the
Chapter II presents the supplementary autopsy report (A63-272) for President John F. Kennedy, signed by Drs. Humes, Boswell, and Finck, followed by the autopsy’s administrative endorsements and the opening of Appendix X, which introduces expert testimony on firearms and firearms identification. The materials are designated as Commission Exhibit No. 387 and 391.
Supplementary Report of Autopsy A63-272: President John F. Kennedy
The supplementary pathological examination report (No. A63-272), titled “Supplementary Report of Autopsy Number A63-272 President John F. Kennedy,” expands on the original autopsy findings with detailed descriptions and microscopic analyses of the brain, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, and skin wounds, culminating in a final summary confirming the previously reported cause of death.
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