Autopsy Findings at Bethesda Naval Hospital
The official autopsy conducted at Bethesda Naval Hospital provided the primary medical documentation of the President’s injuries. Commander James J. Humes led the examination team, which included Commander J. Thornton Boswell and Lieutenant Colonel Pierre A. Finck. The pathologists provided detailed testimony regarding their findings, with Humes offering the most comprehensive account of the autopsy procedure and conclusions. The team consulted reference materials and documented their observations through extensive testimony and exhibits. Dr. Alfred G. Olivier contributed supplementary testimony regarding the pathological analysis, with his findings supported by various exhibits. The pathologists documented their conclusions regarding bullet trajectory, entrance and exit wounds, and the sequence of injuries sustained. FBI Agent Frazier provided supporting testimony based on the autopsy findings, with additional consultation from Dr. F.W. Light, Jr. regarding wound ballistics. The chapter addresses the relationship between the Parkland observations and the Bethesda findings, noting areas of agreement and discrepancy in the medical evidence.
Ballistics and Firearms Analysis
FBI laboratory analysis provided critical evidence regarding the firearms and ammunition involved in the assassination. Agent Robert A. Frazier conducted comprehensive firearms examination, analyzing bullet characteristics and rifle properties through extensive testing. The ballistics evidence included detailed examination of the 6.5mm Mannlicher-Carcano rifle recovered from the Texas School Book Depository. Dr. Arthur J. Dziemian provided expert testimony regarding wound ballistics and the behavior of projectiles upon impact. Jesse W. Fritz and Luke Mooney contributed analysis of the rifle and its components, including examination of spent cartridge casings. The FBI laboratory performed comparison testing between evidence bullets and test projectiles fired from the recovered rifle. Agent Frazier documented findings through extensive testimony and exhibits, including analysis of bullet fragments recovered from the President’s body and Governor Connally’s wounds. The chapter examines the forensic methodology employed in firearms identification and the conclusions reached regarding the source of the projectiles that caused the fatal injuries.
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