Advanced Search
JFK Assassination Hearings - Dr. Cyril H. Wecht
Opens with Professor ROBERT BLAKEY, chief council, introducing and giving the credentials of Dr. CYRIL H. WECHT the only dissenting member of the Committee's forensic pathology panel (15:26:56) Committee/Chair, Mr. STOKES, call and swear in Wecht (15:27:40) Chair recognizes staff council DONALD A. PURDY, Purdy asks if Wecht requested to testify - Wecht answers yes - Purdy asks what conclusions of the forensic pathology panel Wecht is in disagreement with (15:28:15) Wecht tells the court he is in disagreement with the single bullet theory which merely corroborates the Warren Commission findings and eliminates the possibility of any other contributing assassin (15:28:31) Wecht is also dismayed that the panel did not insist on conducting tests with the Mannlicher-Carcano rifle and ammunition, tests to conclude whether the same bullet could break a rib and wrist bone and emerge in such good condition, further he was disappointed a more intense effort was not made to recover important bits of medical information (15:29:20) Wecht has raised the remote possibility of a second synchronized shot from the right side but needs the brain for examination to substantiate such a possibility (15:30:05) Purdy asks if it is the opinion of Wecht that bullet 399 (of the single bullet theory) could not have done all the damage to JFK and Governor JOHN CONNALLY - Wecht responds yes (15:30:45)
JFK Assassination Hearings - The Weapons Experts Panel (Part III) and Dr. Vincen
(16:08:09) Wolf asks if there was any lead on the clothing of JFK or Governor JOHN CONNALLY that Guinn tested - Guinn reponds no (16:08:33) Wolf reviews with Guinn some procedural aspects of the test involving the use of the three elements copper, silver, and antimony (16:09:10) Wolf introduces an exhibit of a graph of the decay patterns of an antimony standard and the bullet fragment found in JFK's brain and he discusses with Guinn the significance of this illustration with regard to the results of the test (16:12:20) Wolf introduces another exhibit, it is a repeat of the above mentioned graph only this time with silver - Wolf and Guinn discuss its significance with regard to the test results, this graph shows an extra hump on the bullet fragment section of the graph which Guinn explains is another, different antimony isotope (16:14:42) Wolf asks several questions to get at Guinn's test results of a comparison between the unfired cartridge in Oswald's rifle and a bullet fragment found in a wall that is believed to have been an assassination attempt on a General WALKER by Oswald in April of '63 - Guinn can deduct from the tests that it is "very likely" the bullets were both Mannlicher-Carcano bullets
JFK Assassination Hearings - Dr. Vincent P. Guinn (Conclusion)
(16:55:52) Fithian asks if anybody at the FBI could have been able to come to the expert conclusions that Guinn has come to in matching the fragments and bullets without a knowledge of Mannlicher-Carcano ammunition - Guinn responds it would have been much more difficult and goes on to explain the unique characteristics of the composition of this ammunition (16:57:50) Fithian asks if in '64 the FBI could have come to Guinn's conclusions - Guinn responds it would have been hard and explains briefly (16:58:27) Fithian confirms all of Guinn's FBI information came from publicly accessible sources (16:59:40) Fithian asks if there are any other tests Guinn would recommend - Guinn responds no and explains (17:00:45) Fithian confirms that Guinn's findings shed no light on whether or not bullet 399 passed through JFK before Connally - Guinn responds that all his findings conclude is that bullet 399 broke Connally's wrist, as the wrist was the only body part to contain a fragment (17:01:53) Fithian confirms Guinns over all findings, that bullet 399 matches the fragment in Connally's wrist, that a fragment removed from JFK's skull matches the two fragments found in the car and that there is evidence of only two bullets (17:02:39) Committee Chairman LOUIS STOKES ask about the number of Neutron Activation Analysis experts '63 and now - Guinn responds giving a history of the test and stating it was first developed in 1937
JFK Assassination Hearings - Dr. Cyril H. Wecht
Wecht is presented with bullet 399 (15:31:46) Purdy asks what is basis that bullet 399 couldn't have caused wound - Wecht responds: the timing of the Zapruder film, the evaluation of the wounds on JFK and Conally, the timing of the tests (tests conducted in 1964 at request of Warren Commission in which Mannlicher Carcano rifle was fired), the testimony of Conally and the vertical and horizontal trajectories attributed to bullet 399 (15:31:50) Wecht is asked to explain exhibit of bullet images which he has introduced - Wecht does so at easel with pointer - the first exhibit is photos of bullet 399 taken at different angles - the bullet is shown and explained by Wecht to be in very good shape (15:33:45) Wecht turns to another exhibit, an image of 5 bullets which he claims "demonstrates the absurdity of the single bullet theory" - Wecht goes on to explain that this image is a comparison between bullet 399 and four other Mannlicher-Carcano bullets fired during tests requested by Warren Commission, the first two bullets were fired into cotton wadding and remain in good shape, the third bullet went through a goat rib and is flattened noticeably and the forth bullet went through a cadaver wrist and its nose is completely smashed (15:35:48) "I ask anybody... to look at 399 which under the single bullet theory is alleged to have broken both a rib and a radius and contrast it with" the other bullets, Wecht says he wanted further experiments to substantiate or revoke these findings (15:38:15) Purdy asks if tests now in 1978 could be conducted to accurately simulate the original incident - Wech responds that tests have been performed by a professor at the University of Kansas who was not a wealthy man, yes they could be done (15:39:45)
JFK Assassination Hearings - The end of Cyril H. Wecht
Shot opens to Dr. CYRIL H. WECHT giving the end of his closing statement in which he hopes that though the odds are against his analysis of the JFK assassination his testimony will be strongly considered by the committee, testimony that strongly questions the single bullet theory and suggest more than one assassin were involved (18:09:06) Committee Chair Mr. STOKES thanks Wecht (18:10:51) Committee adjourn until tomorrow (18:18:09) Hearings host SANFORD UNGAR voices over zoom out from committee that this closes a long day of testimony (18:11:40) Ungar sums up the day's testimony, all of which has been Wecht's contestation of the committee's panel of forensic pathologist findings - that there were more than three shots fired at the motorcade based on the bullets' trajectories (18:11:52) Ungar introduces his panel JEREMIAH O'LEARY from the Washington Star and DAVID LIFTON a critic of the Warren Commission - they discuss if Wecht has disproved the single bullet theory (18:12:38) Ungar closes out coverage (18:14:21) Shot changes to wide shot of court room with people filing out (18:14:33) Black Screen (18:14:40) Funding credits (18:14:45)
JFK Assassination Hearings - Dr. Michael Baden (Part III)
Shot opens to comparison of exhibits by Dr. MICHAEL BADEN between two illustrations done for the panel and one done for the Warren Commision - all three are interpretations of the bullet's path through JFK's skull - Baden says that the Warren Commission's sketch is off from the panel's in its location of both bullets' points of entry but that it captures the general direction of the bullet that the panel concluded (10:59:12) Baden reponds to Counsel KENNETH KLEIN that the bullet wound to the head would have been fatal but the panel is unsure if the neck injury also would have been fatal (11:00:30) Baden describes Governor JOHN CONALLY's injuries - Baden is then given medical reports and interview reports of and with Dr. SHAW (?) who operated on Governor Connally at Parkland Hospital (11:01:36) Exhibit of Connally's clothing is put on display (on a headless, armless mannequin torso), it is a suit jacket and shirt and on them Baden identifies the bullet holes of entrance and exit (11:04:20) Baden answers Klein's questions about the X-rays taken of Connally at the hospital including that there were no bullet fragments found in the chest (11:06:00)
JFK campaign spots
Campaign spots/political advertising for the presidential campaign of John F. Kennedy. Shot of Thomas Dewey. Shot of Richard Nixon. Two men stand at a podium during the 1960 Republican National Convention. Man's Voiceover: "Every Republican politician wants you to belive that Richard Nixon is quote "experienced." They even want you to believe that he has actually been making decisions in the White House but listen to the man who should know best, the President of the United States. A reporter recently asked President Eisenhower this question about Mr. Nixon's experience." President Eisenhower talks to reporters during a press conference. Reporter's Voice: "I just wondered if you could give us an example of a major idea of his that you have adopted in that role as the decider on the final, uh.." President Eisenhower: "if you give me a week, I might think of one. I don't remember." Man's Voiceover: "At the same press confrence, President Eisenhower said," President Eisenhower: "No one can make a decision except me." Man's Voicever: "And for asked for any major ideas from Mr. Nixon," President Eisenhower: "if you give me a week, I might think of one. I don't remember." Man's Voiceover: "President Eisenhower could not remember but the voters will remember. For real leadership in the sixties, vote for Senator John F. Kennedy, President." Shot of Senator Kennedy surrounded by a crowd of people. He shakes a man's hand. "Vote for John F. Kennedy for President Paid Political Announcement" with JFK smiling.
Newport News, Va.: Aircraft Carrier JFK - Launching
The aircraft carrier, "John F. Kennedy" is launched at Newport News, Virginia. The late President's 9 year old daughter, Caroline, christens the giant ship with the traditional bottle of champagne. President Johnson spoke briefly before the launching. Establishing shot - The bow of the USS John F. Kennedy. High Angle Shot - Robert Kennedy walking arm in arm with his wife, Ethel Kennedy. High Angle shot - Edward (Ted) Kennedy and his first wife, Joan Kennedy. High Angle Medium shot - Jacqueline Kennedy walking with her daughter, Caroline and John Jr. Walking at her sided is Senator Robert McNamara. High Angle shot - The massive crowd in attendance for the launching of the USS JFK. MS - President Lyndon Baines Johnson escorting Mrs. Rose Kennedy, the mother of President John F. Kennedy. High Angle shot - Crowd. MCUS - President Lyndon Baines Johnson (Just the voice over, no audio on President Johnson). High Angle CU - Jacqueline Kennedy. MCU - John F. Kennedy Jr. (Jon Jon) MS - Jacqueline Kennedy, President Johnson, Caroline Kennedy and little Jon Jon, he's leaning on the railing. Profile shot - Jacqueline Kennedy. Profile shot - Caroline Kennedy, 9 yr's old. Little Jon Jon peaking at the camera man from his sister's side. MS - USS JFK.
JFK Assassination Hearings - Dr. Michael Baden and Captain James J. Humes M.D.
Cornwells asks if Humes personally conducted the autopsy and asks what Humes' responsibilities were - Humes answers he conducted the autopsy with assistance from two other people and that he had initially been summonded by military personel to determine the cause of death of JFK - Cornwell asks more about the autopsy including in what order the procedure went - Humes tells the court X-rays and photos were taken first (14:57:50) Cornwell tells the court the principle source of discussion will be whether or not one or more bullets entered the head - a point of contestation the new panel of forensic pathologists has with Humes' autopsy findings, Corwell asks if the report from Humes' autopsy that only one bullet struck the head is accurate - Humes: "Absolutely" (15:01:15) Cornwell introduces drawing (exhibit 48) or the back of the head of JFK (15:01:54) Shot of drawing on easel (I 15:02:17 - O 15:02:34) Humes tells court photo (replicated in drawing) taken to illustrate positioning of wounds (15:03:14) Cornwell tells Humes how the new panel of forensic pahtologists invited Humes to visit with them and review autopsy material as well as to interview him about the autopsy, part of the transcript of the interview reveals that when looking at the drawing on the exhibit easel Humes indentified the droplet of material at the base of JFK's head as the only point of bullet entry, then when asked by forensic pathologist Dr. CHARLES S. PETTY about the defect in the center of the head Humes had replied he did not know what it was but that it was certainly not the wound of entry (15:03:30) Shot is now of Cornwell at exhibit easel with pointer, Cornwell tries to excuse Humes' mistake by telling court Humes was called in on short notice - Humes is eager to agree this as the cause of his mistake (15:07:09) Cornwell asks various questions about the drawings to confirm if now Humes agrees with the new panel's findings - Humes does (15:07:46) Humes tells court part of his confusion stems from the fact that after taking the photo on display in the court (as a drawing) he was not able to see it again until three years later (15:10:03)
JFK Assassination Hearings - Dr. Michael Baden and Captain James J. Humes M.D.
Cornwell asks if attempts were made to reconstruct JFK's head and if so did Humes handle the head for a long time - Humes responds yes to both questions - Cornwell asks if based on Humes reconstruction efforts could there have been a second point of bullet entry - Humes responds no (15:23:35) Chair recognizes Humes' right to suppliment his testimony - Humes expresses appreciation for work of Baden and Panel and says he wishes he had such support when he conducted the autopsy (15:24:00) Chair voices appreciaiton for Humes' testimony and understanding over Humes' problems with the short notice of the hearing and the trying nature of the investigation (15:26:00)
JFK Assassination Hearings - Dr. Cyril H. Wecht (Part III)
McKinney asks if Wecht is aware that no metal fragments were found in JFK's neck of Connally s chest - Wecht says yes but that there was a press story that a nurse removed and gave to a policeman a fragment of metal found in Connally s chest - McKinney goes on to ask if it were true that no metal were found in chest and neck (as is documented) than couldn't the bullet have emerged in such good shape - Wecht responds no because it couldn't also then have broken Connally s wrist and escaped damage, besides the fact again that the trajectories do not line up.
JFK Assassination Hearings - Dr. Cyril H. Wecht (Part III)
Representative FLOYD J. FITHIAN asks if a test were conducted with the bodies lined up according to photo analysis and supported the single bullet theory would Wecht change his views - Wecht says yes - Fithian asks about second simultaneous shot to JFK's head - Wecht explains to him frangible ammunition would not leave an exit wound. Fithian wants to know about the bullet's course in relationship to its breaking the bone, would it have to go through the bone and wouldn't it leave a hole - Wecht responds that it would have to hit the bone to get the fracture Connally had but that it could hit the bone off center, break it and not leave a hole.
JFK Assassination Hearings - E. Aschkenasy & Mark Weiss (Part III)
(01:00:57) Opens to MARK WEISS telling Deputy Chief Counsel GARY T. CORNWELL the probability of his and E. ASCHKENASY'S conclusion that from reviewing a tape taken during the JFK assassination that there was a shot fired from the grassy knoll, Weiss declares that it is 20-1 that their conclusion is accurate (01:01:54) Cornwell asks if in having the microphone location moving in their tests (as the microphone would have been, being attached to a motorcade motorcycle) if Weiss and Aschkenasy might not have been compensating for error in their placement location of the shooter - Weiss answers that they tried moving the location of the knoll shooter around to test this, the result was that even with movement of the microphone it was impossible to get as closely similar a pattern from any other locations (01:03:46) Cornwell asks if from the wave patterns Weiss can determine what kind of gun fired the shot - Weiss uses the exhibits of sound wave graphs to show that there was a shock wave before the muzzle shot, meaning the gun had fired at super-sonic speeds and was therefore likely a rifle (01:05:46) Cornwell asks if from the wave pattern Weiss can determine where the rifle was pointing - Weiss responds with a map of Dealey plaza that he can only suggest a region of aim - Cornwell and Weiss then discuss the possibility of determining the trajectory and target of the shot
JFK Visits Fleet, 6/5/63
TLS U.S. Navy cadet officers in khaki uniforms standing at attention in gallery. MS President John F. Kennedy delivering speech: "... the security of countries 10,000 miles away. And I can tell you that in the time that I've been President of the United States, in the last two and a half years... (edit) To have served in the armed forces of the United States, that not only kept the security of this country and others but also maintained the peace. The force that we have is to permit us to develop ourselves, our resources; improve the life of our people, and make it possible for what Thomas Jefferson called the disease of liberty to be catching all around the globe. I hope that no man who serves in our armed forces ever forgets that upon him the security of this country depends." TLS/MSs President Kennedy inspecting Marine recruits standing at attention, shaking hands with gunnery sergeants (drill sergeants). MS three white Marines standing at attention. MS President Kennedy reviewing, chatting with two sailors. MS JFK talking with naval captain. Panning TLS President Kennedy riding in open convertible, passing & waving to gallery; African-American Marine MP (Military Police) passes in FG.
JFK Assassination Hearings - Dr. Charles S. Petty and Larry Sturdivan
Establishing shot of hearing room, House committee assembling and audience congregating, host (SAMFORD UNGAR) introduces hearing, it is the third day of the hearings (I 09:00:18 - O 09:00:39) Shot changes to that of host and panel,JACOB COHEN - Professor of American Studies, Brandeis University & DAVID LIFTON - "writer and long time critic of Warren Comission" (David Lifton speaks about how he disagrees with all the panel's findings, he contends that everything is a mere continuation of a the cover-up conspiracy - he appears in several tapes of the JFK Assassination Hearings. They summarize and discuss yesteday's hearing which they see as challenge to Warren Comission's finding and single bullet theory (I 09:00:39 - O 09:10:10) Shot changes to that of committee (09:10:11) Chair recognizes Professor ROBERT BLAKEY - chief counsel - who introduces CHARLES S. PETTY - forensic pathologist - and lists his extensive credentials (09:10:31) Petty sworn in by committee chair (MR. BLAKE) and chair recognizes Rep. RICHARDSON BREYER to question Petty (09:11:24) Breyer asks Petty if he has ever expressed any opinion about injuries or results of JFK autopsy in any way, Petty responds he has never uttered a single word about it and had not himself formed an opinion about it (09:13:50) Breyer asks if Petty beleives in the single bullet theory, Petty answers yes (09:15:30) Petty summarizes flight of bullet through JFK and then Governor JOHN CONNALLY and its physical effects - answers DR. CYRIL H. WECHT's objections (previous day of hearings) to what Wecht thought was an impossible path for one bullet, explains that bullet only slightly deformed upon entry into Connally's thigh (I 09:16:20 - O 09:24:28) Petty: "This is the behaviour of a full metal jacket bullet" - explains nothing odd about its path as military ammunition designed with strong casing to penetrate bodies straight through (09:24:38) Petty answers why Conally did not drop Stetson hat upon having wrist shot - "There is great variation in how individuals react to receiving wounds" (09:28:17) Petty discounts Dr. Wecht's suggestion that a frangible bullet was fired from the right side into JFK's head by saying no fragments of such ammunition were found (09:28:56) Petty, sarcastically: "Does that answer your question?" - the last 7 minutes of testimony have all been Petty answering if he beleived in the single gun theory (09:32:33) Breyer asks if bullet went through wrist bone - Petty answers no - it did not directly penetrate it (09:32:47) Breyer asks if from the evidence there is the possibility of a second shot from the president's right-front - Petty responds that there were only wounds from the back, one in the shoulder and one in the back of the head (09:34:40) Chair extends opportunity to Petty (as obligated) for five minutes of closing statements to supplement his testimony - Petty uses it to thank committee and pat their back - (09:36:17) Petty dismissed and Professor Blakey begins summary of what testimony and witnesses are to follow and what questions are currently on the board: was it a single bullet, why did Kennedy's head move in opposite direction of bullet, what is able to be determined about rifle found in book depositry? (09:37:28) Blakey explains science of wounds ballistics - the Warren Commission ordered tests that were conducted in sixties by Wounds Ballistics Branch of the U.S. Army Chemical Research and Development Labratory at the Edgewood Arsenal in Maryland in which aneasthisized goats were shot at different distances and bullet velocities - Warren Commission claimed tests substantiated single bullet theory - Blakey goes on to say that H.P. White Labratory of Belair (?) Maryland was solicited by House Select Committee to do same sort of experiments - company turned down offer saying tests were too theoretical - cannot recreate situation (09:41:05) Blakey: "The experiment could only yeild a statement about probabilities" - could only prove that the incident "could" have occurred not that it "did" (09:45:17) Professor Blakey introduces LARRY M. STURDIVAN and lists credentials - physical scientist with wounds ballistic branch of Aberdine Proving Grounds Vulnerability Labratory - part of tests conducted at request of Warren Commission Warning issued that during the following testimony films of goat executions will be shown which could offend sensitive viewers, Army also wants it stated to public that it no longer does such tests (09:47:15) Committee calls and swears in Sturdivan (09:48:02) Chair recognizes Council CHARLES MATTHEWS (09:48:25) Sturdivan explains background and job at Aberdine Proving Grounds - applies mathematics to wounds, produces predictive models for behaviour of bullets (I 09:48:28 - O 09:53:20) Matthews asks abouts test conducted with Oswald's rifle - Sturdivan describes tests (00:53:25) Woman brings to Sturdivan large models of bullet and cartridge (09:54:45) Sturdivan gives the physics of a fired bullet, how it moves through and out the gun and in the air - demonstrating with one of the models (I 09:55:10 - O 09:57:45) Matthews asks if the Mannlicher-Carcano rifle has a stable path - Sturdivan answers yes, very stable - perhaps most stable of any rifle he's tested (09:58:40) Sturdivan explains how experiments are done to determine characteristics of bullet's flight - exhibit used - photo of bullet in flight (09:58:40) Matthews asks if human cadavers are used in tests conducted at the Abedine Proving Grounds - Sturdivan answers "not as a matter of course" (10:01:03)
JFK Assassination Hearings - Larry Sturdivan (Part II)
CHARLES MATHEWS asks LARRY M. STURDIVAN what happens to bullet when it passes through a more dense material than air - Sturdivan answers that it can cause the bullet's yaw or angle of spin to increase dramatically, as much as 270 degrees (10:03:18) Mathews wants a further explanation with exhibits that he introduces (10:04:30) (Sound goes fuzzy at exhibit easel with portable mic) Sturdivan explains the bullets' paths with exhibits of photographs of bullets passing through gelatin and how their yaw changes upon passage through the material (10:05:22) Someone interrupts to adjust Sturdivan's microphone and cuts off the fuzz (10:07:58) Sturdivan continues with new mic but fuzz returns, he explains more exhibits which also show bullets passing through gelatin and fragmenting and changing yaw (10:08:45) Sturdivan explains exhibit of tests done on bullets fired through gelatin from a Mannlicher-Carcano rifle, the first image shows a bullets path which shows almost no yaw and goes straight through 15 inches of gelatin after it had already gone through another 4 inch gelatin target - Sturdivan again makes mention that the Mannlicher-Carcano rifle had one of the stablest shots of any rifles he's ever tested (10:10:40) Sound issues emerge again, apparently the committee cannot hear Sturdivan (10:11:20) Host SANFORD UNGAR's voice comes over shot of committee to anounce they have pause because of the sound difficulties (10:11:55) Sturdivan decides to hold the mic up to his mouth to solve the problem (10:12:18) Mathews asks Sturdivan to explain the Mannlicher-Carcano test exhibits - Sturdivan explains they were conducted at the request of the Warren Commission and that they show the different possibilites of the bullet going straight or of it curving in path according to the plains that it encounters within the gelatin (10:12:20) Mathews asks if this exhibit supports the path of the single bullet theory to which Sturdivan answers that it depends on the stability of the bullet upon impact and the thickness of the materail it is passing through, he adds the Mannlicher-Carcano is very stable and its bullet could travel unaltered in course through 4 or 5 inches of material (10:14:10) Mathews asks why a bullet in another exhibit broke up in the gelatin - Sturdivan answers its the force and explains (10:15:11) A new exhibit is added comparing bullets fired from three different rifles through gelatin and Sturdivan explains the specifics, one is a bullet from a Mannlicher Carcano rifle and it is the only one that traveled in a straight path through (10:15:46) Mathews asks if Sturdivan is able to predict the drag force on a bullet - Sturdivan explains a drag force equation and after being asked by Mathews says that the velocity at which deformation would occurr in soft tissue is 2000 feet per second, the muzzle velocity of the Mannlicher-Carcano and bone for the same gun would be 1400 ft/s, and if the bullet turns sideways it will deform at an even lower velocity (10:18:30) A projector is set up to show films of bullet deformation and during this pause Ungar's voice comes in to sum up the testimony and explain the significance of the films and introduce them - DAVID LIFTON, a Warren Commision critic on the host panel corrects Ungar about the reason the films are being shown and criticizes the decision made by this committee not to conduct re-creation tests of the assassination with the rifle (10:23:00) Lights in hearing room turned off (10:26:57) Lights back on, committee remains in recess because there is a vote taking place on the house floor (10:27:17) Ungar introduces his panel David Lifton and Professor JACOB COHEN - shot turns to them and they discuss what these tests are supposed to show us (10:28:14) Committee comes back into session (10:31:57) Lights on, film image appears of gelatin block with ruler above it and Sturdivan explains the footage, it is of a military bullet being fired through the gelatin, first the film is shown at normal speed, then in slow-motion with Sturdivan explaining the bullet's effects and change of yaw frame by frame - a second block of gelatin is then shot with another bullet at a higher velocity which causes it to break up within the gelatin -both jello blocks exlode in gyrating waves upon impact (10:32:25) Lights back on, Sturdivan defines the difference between radial velocity and a shock wave for Mathews (10:40:05) New exhibits are introduced by Mathews, they are exibits from Dr. CYRIL H. WECHT's testimony and show positioning of JFK and CONNALLY in the car and an image of the various deformities suffered by Mannlicher-Carcano bullets fired in Warren Commission tests - Mathews asks Sturdivan as a scientist if he would say these exhibits are accurate or speculative ( a close up is shown the exhibit which depicts the men's positioning in the car and the v-hold temporarily goes bad followed by a fuzzy picture which continues) - Sturdivan says that the Zapruder film alone would not be enough determine the illustration positioning the men in the car and that in general Dr. Wecht did not produce enough evidence to allow a trust worthy recreation of the assassination - there are much more factors involved than he presented (10:41:24) Sturdivan addresses another of Wecht's exhibits, this one the image of the deformed bullets, explaining the bullets one by one he discounts Wecht's testimony that they proved the impossibility that bullet 399 could have done so much damage and emerged in as good condition as it did (10:46:05) Exhibits of stills of the Zapruder film are introduced and of JFK's skull, one an X-ray the other a recreation of the bullet's impact (10:48:15) Sturdivan in response to Mathews explains that regardless of the type of ammunition, frangible or full metal jacket, the head of JFK would be expected to explode as it did - Sturdivan, then analysing the X-ray contends that the skull's damage was characteristic of a jacketed bullet (10:49:50) Sturdivan provides his perception as to the bullets path through the skull, then explains for Mathews that skull exploded because of the radial velocity imparted by the bullet (10:53:20) Sturdivan introduces film of tests he helped conduct on request by the Warren Commission of skulls being fired upon and explains the test set up (10:55:35) Lights are dimmed and Ungar's voice comes over hearing room footage to introduce skull films (10:57:31) Another film, other than that of the skull must be played first, Sturdivan explains it is of a can of tomatos which is shot, it shows the effects of radial velocity and impact on exploding the target - the image is dark and black and white (10:58:00) The first skulll appears - the image is very dark and black and white, film cuts off before anything happens to it (10:59:57)
JFK Assassination Hearings - Dr. Michael Baden (Part III)
New exhibits introduced by Klein - X-rays of Connally's thigh - Baden identifies and describes the X-rays, he says they show that the thigh bone was not touched or fractured by the bullet and goes on in detail to discuss all previous interpretations of them (11:16:25) Klein asks if the panel reached any conclusion as to what happened to the bullet that entered the thigh - Baden responds that if fell out (11:19:16) Baden returns to seat after having stood at exhibit easel for a long while (11:19:45) Klein asks Baden to confirm each bullet path as just discussed through Connally's respective parts: his chest, wrist and thigh (11:20:00) Klein asks Baden to confirm the panel's conclusion that these wounds were all caused by one bullet and then explain why they came to this conclusion - Baden reponds that injuries fit the bullets path in their locations and intensity, describes this path and the damage, and goes on to say the evidence supports no other conclusion (11:20:50) Klein asks if the bullet going through the wrist and the bullet going through the thy had been slowed up - Baden reponds that the degree of the injuries to both body parts supports this, that the bullet had been slowed up by the chest (11:22:00) Klein asks if the panel concluded in support of the single bullet theory, that the bullet that passed through JFK's neck also did all the damage to Connally - Baden answers yes and explains mentioning the entrance wound on Connally reflected a wobbling movement to the bullet which could only have been caused by it's having struck something else first (11:23:24)
JFK Assassination Hearings - Dr. Cyril H. Wecht (Part II)
Cornwell persists in trying to get at why Wecht questions the single bullet theory, is it because a president is involved? - Wecht responds in any case he would persist with such a questioning attitude (16:42:10) Cornwell asks if Wecht concedes that bullet from Mannlicher-Carcano could have gone through whole body of Connally - Wecht answers yes it is possible (16:42:47) Cornwell asks if single bullet theory not correct how many bullets were involved - Wecht answers there is definate evidence for three bullets with the possibility of more but can't introduce evidence that would corraborate that (00:43:20) Attention directed by Cornwell to exhibit of bullets and bullet 399 (16:45:00) Cornwell asks under what circumstances does deformation of a bullet occur - Wecht answers when a bullet strikes a dense object such as Conally's wrist (16:46:30) Cornwell asks if the bullet travels through the neck alone will it be deformed - Wecht answers no (16:46:30) Cornwell asks could bullet have gone through chest alone and come out non-deformed - Wecht asks if question assumes the bullet has left Kennedy's neck and then passed through Connally's chest - a scenario he now declares impossible because of opposing bullet trajectories between its exit of JFK and entrance into Conally, if you accept the hypothetical situation of trajectories lining up, yes, Wecht agrees its possible (16:47:25) Cornwell persists in trying to find out if Wecht will concede that bullet could have traveled previously determined route (Warren Commission) and come out in such pristine condition, does this piece by piece following bullet's path, however Wecht disagrees with this method, saying that it is in combination of the rib and wrist being broken that should have deformed the bullet (16:48:40)
JFK at Podium
Brief GV of John F. Kennedy speaking at podium.
JFK campaign spots
JFK campaign spots/political advertising for the presidential campaign of John F. Kennedy. Shots of various Washington DC monuments. Excerpts from Acceptance of Party Nomination September 14, 1960, Commodore Hotel, New York, NY. "This is my political credo: I believe in human dignity as the source of national purpose, in human liberty as the source of national action, and the human heart as the source of national compassion, and in the human mind as the source of our invention and our ideas. It is, I believe, this faith in our fellow citizens as individuals and as people that lies at the heart of the liberal faith ... a faith in man's ability through the experiences of his reason and judgment to increase for himself and his fellow men the amount of Justice and freedom and brotherhood which all human life deserves. [Applause.] (Shots of United States landscapes) I believe also in the United States of America, in the promise that it contains and has contained throughout our history of producing a society so abundant and creative and so free and responsible that it cannot only fulfill the aspirations of its citizens, but serve equally well as a beacon for all mankind. I do not believe in a super state. I see no magic to tax dollars which are sent to Washington and then returned. I abhor the waste and incompetence of large-scale Federal bureaucracies in this administration, as well as in others. I do not favor state compulsion when voluntary individual effort can do the job and do it well. But I believe in a government which acts, which exercises its full powers and its full responsibilities. Government is an art and a precious obligation; and when it has a job to do, I believe it should do it. And this requires not only great ends but that we propose concrete means of achieving them. Our responsibility is not discharged by an announcement of virtuous ends. Our responsibility is to achieve these objectives with social invention, with political skill, and executive vigor. I believe for these reasons, that liberalism is our best and our only hope in the world today. [Applause.] For the liberal society is a free society, and it is at the same time and for that reason a strong society. Its strength is drawn from the will of free people committed to great ends and peacefully striving to meet them. Only liberalism, in short, can repair our national power, restore our national purpose, and liberate our national energies. And the only basic issue in the 1960 presidential campaign is whether our Government will fall in a conservative rut and die there, or whether we will move ahead in the liberal spirit of daring... [Applause.]"
JFK Assassination Hearings - Dr. Cyril H. Wecht (Part II)
Purdy asks what evidence is there that supports a second shot having been fired - Wecht answers that it is a remote possibility that a second shot was fired, however a small piece of material found at the base of the scalp - just above the hair line coupled with the total deformation of the scalp (making identifying the exit wound impossible) could suggest that this piece of material was a fragment of some sort of frangible ammunition - part of a bullet that could have destroyed the head but not passed through it, Wecht also says that the JFK's head movement also suggests this possibility (16:33:30) Wecht: "Important to raise the possibility, however remote, that there was a second shot involved" (16:35:35) Purdy asks to what extent would it help to have brain preserved as far as substantiating second shot theory - Wecht answers it would help a great deal to determine if there was a second shot because second shot would have left a path in the brain (16:35:45) Wecht: "We do know there was the one bullet's penetration, I agree with that" (16:36:50) Purdy asks "if present state of available evidence permits the conclusion that to a reasonable degree of certainty there was not a shot from the side that struch the president?" - Wecht answers yes, second shot is a remote possibility unsubstantiated by evidence (16:37:00) Chair recognizes Counsel GARY T. CORNWELL - Cornwell asks if Wecht privy to any information or evidence that other medical experts were not - Wech answers that he has seen blow up of Zapruder film at Life magazine headquarters in 1966, nothing else (16:37:40) Cornwell asks if Wecht's forensic pathology expertise differs from others testifying - Wecht answers there are no major differences, Cornwell asks just a difference of opinion - Wecht answers yes, in relation to the facts - but major difference is allowing for possibility of second shooter (16:38:00)
JFK Assassination HSCA Hearings
Old House Caucus Room in the U.S. Capitol Building, text on screen reads “House Select Committee on Assassinations, John F. Kennedy December 29, 1978." Press members gathered in hearing room; adult African-American man sets up chalkboard. Commentator Paul Duke introduces the subject of today’s hearings. Duke says Committee will hear new evidence from scientific report that claims four shots were fired on the day of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, not three shots as experts have said. This report raises the conspiracy that shooter Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone and that another gunman shot from the Grassy Knoll. Duke says the Warren Commission originally concluded three shots were fired from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository. Duke says Committee will hear this new conflict in evidence. A group of acoustical experts including Mark Weiss and Ernest Aschenasy of Queens College New York City will be testifying. Dr. James Barger also will testify.
JFK Assassination Hearings - The Weapons Experts Panel (Part III) and Dr. Vincen
(16:17:25) Several charts are introduced as exhibits by Wolf, they illustrate the results of neutron activation analysis conducted on the five fragments surrounding the assassination by listing the percentages of elemental composition by element within each fragment - Guinn says from the results of this test he can conclude that all the fragments are Mannlicher-Carcano ammunition (16:20:58) Wolf asks for a second time, after getting the start of a long-winded answer, how many bullets these fragments belong to - Guinn answers two, Guinn then matches up the fragments with their respective partners, linking bullet 399 to the bullet fragment removed from Connally's wrist (16:22:34) Wolf confirms that Guinn cannot substantiate the single bullet theory as there were no fragments anywhere else on Connally or JFK to link to bullet 399 (16:23:23) Wolf asks the degree of certainty of Guinn's conclusion - Guinn responds that with Mannlicher-Carcano ammunition similarities in compositional levels as close as there are between certain fragments leads to the conclusion that they belong to the same source - after more persistence by Wolf Guinn responds that his conclusions are "highly probable"
JFK Assassination HSCA Hearings
Commentator Paul Duke introduces Jeremiah O’Leary of the Washington Star and Carl Oglesby of the Assassination Bureau. Duke opens discussion on the upcoming House Select Committee hearings on the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. O’Leary believes the Committee, “born” in controversy, will “die” in Controversy, saying the testimony today will lead the Committee into an executive session and will tell the world what they believe happened: whether there were four shots or three; whether there were two gunmen; whether the Warren Committee was right all along. O’Leary says the Committee will have witnesses helping to reach their conclusion, including a new witness the Committee has located, Dallas Police Officer H.B. McLain, the motorcycle cop who had an open microphone recording the shootings. O’Leary says trajectory and medical examiner witnesses will be recalled to testify on the validity of the three and four shot theories.