Report of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy

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.

第二章 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.

Gross Description of Brain

Following formalin fixation, the brain weighed 1500 gms and showed marked disruption of the right cerebral hemisphere, including a longitudinal parasagittal laceration approximately 2.5 cm right of the midline extending from the occipital to the frontal lobe, with loss of cortical substance especially in the parietal region. Additional lacerations radiated from the main wound and involved the corpus callosum, exposing the right lateral and third ventricles. The left hemisphere remained intact but exhibited meningeal vessel engorgement and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Basilar inspection revealed a midbrain laceration through the third ventricle floor and a 1.5 cm tear through the left cerebral peduncle, along with superficial basilar lacerations. To preserve the specimen, coronal sections were not made; instead, seven designated tissue samples were taken for microscopic examination, and thirteen photographs (seven black-and-white, six color) were exposed but not developed, with the negatives delivered to Rear Admiral George W. Burkley.