Parkland: An Alternate 11/22/63

[SargentHawk]

On Friday, November 22nd 1963, at approximately 12:30 Central Standard Time, an assassin fired 6 rounds into the Presidential motorcade as it drove through Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas, Texas. In a flash of several seconds the percussive cracks of a rifle blended in with that of screams, police sirens, and the screech of tires piloting away those in the line of fire. The following recordings, transcripts and quotes detail those few seconds of pure terror and chaos; as well as the hours afterward. They in turn detail the day in November, 1963, that irrevocably changed the course of American history.




11/22/63

“No one can say Dallas doesn’t love and respect you Mr. President” – Nellie Connally 12:27 PM

President Kennedy moments before the shooting - 11/22/63

Recording of Dallas Police Transmission; Channel 2 – 12:28 to 12:32 PM
Chief Jesse Curry (caller 1): Crossing Lamar Street
Dispatcher: 10-4. Pretty good crowd there?, 12:28 PM
Curry: Yes, there’s a very big crowd.
Deputy Chief of Police George L. Lumpkin (caller 5): Notify Captain Souter of the location of the convoy now.
Dispatcher: 15/2, now on Main, probably just past Lamar.
Curry: Just crossing Market Street.
Deputy Chief of Police N.T. Fisher (caller 4): 125, what traffic personnel do you have on Mockingbird?
Captain P.W. Lawrence (caller 125): On Mockingbird at Cedar Springs? Is that the question?
Caller 4: 10-4. Convoy moving out of this lot very slow.
Caller 125: I’m at the Trade Mart, now headed that way.
Caller 4: That is all right, I’ll check it.
Caller 1: Approaching Triple Underpa… (three loud bangs heard over radio)
Caller 4: Say again? Receiving interference?
Dispatcher: 12:30 PM. KKB 364.
Caller 1: Not interference, we have shots fired at the motorcade. Shots fired.
Caller 1: Get to the hospital. Parkland Hospital. Have them stand by.
Caller 1: Get men up in that building. The Schoolbook Depository.
Caller 1: Have Parkland stand by. It looks like the President has been hit.
Sheriff J.E. ‘Bill’ Decker (Dallas 1): Have my office move all available men out of my office and into the area. Try and determine what happened up there. Hold everything secure until Homicide and investigators get there. Do we have suspect in custody?
Caller 1: No suspect in custody.
Dispatcher: 10-4. Stations notified.
*End Excerpt of Transcript*


“The President waved to us as he turned onto Houston Street. We saw him look over to Jackie, smile, and continue waving. It was clear that Dallas loved the President. But, seconds later…. It all came crashing down. We couldn’t see but we heard the shots. It’s just… it’s a terrible, terrible day.” – Francine Haley (Eyewitness)

“It appears that something has happened to the President along the motorcade route, there are people running up the hill here, by elm street, several police officers are rushing towards the schoolbook depository… hold just a moment please. Parkland hospital has been informed to stand by for a severe wound of some kind. Repeat we have a shooting on the President’s motorcade route. Parkland hospital has been told to stand-by for a severe gunshot wound. The President’s car is now traveling past me, the President is up, Secret Service men are standing up in the limousine, armed with what appears to submachine guns… It appears that some in the limousine may have been hit by the gunfire.” CBS NEWS reporter on Elm Street – 12:31 PM

“Am I on?!? We’re here at the Trade-Mart, We’re seeing a procession of many motorcycles, police motorcycles clearing the way for what we assume to be the motorcade… We’ve received police dispatch for all available units to pick up the motorcade, something severe has definitely happened here! We can now see the President’s car, we know it to be the President’s car. There’s a secret service agent holding the President down, he appears to be struggling. Another spread eagled across Mrs. Kennedy, We also understand correctly that Governor and Mrs. Connally are in the car, but aren’t visible. We can’t see who has been hit, but the car is absolutely enveloped in police motorcycles *inaudible due to police sirens* something is wrong here, something very wrong. We can here screaming from the car as it is just barreling towards what I can only assume to be Parkland hospital, we are on the road now, secret service still covering and holding down everyone in the car… No idea who has been hit, but it is possible everyone in the car may have been the victims, as we see no one upright at all. Following behind the motorcade, we can see as many as 30 motorcycles enveloping the car, with Parkland hospital in the distance and growing closer.” – CBS Reporter following the motorcade – 12:36 PM

The Presidential Limousine passes by all in the car held down by secret service guards - 12:36 PM

“From Dallas, Texas… The President’s motorcade was fired upon by an unknown assailant. No word on the current condition of the President…Or others in attendance. The motorcade has reached Parkland Hospital. So it does appear as if someone in the motorcade was hit, or injured. We’ll continue with subsequent bulletins as more information becomes available.” –NBC –Flash Bulletin 12:38 PM.

The Presidential limo passes by the Trade-Mart Secret Service covering the president.

“We’re pulling into the hospital now, the motorcade coming to a screeching halt after arriving at a very high rate of speed. The Vice-President’s car also arriving, possibly to oversee the condition of the President, possibly also injured we can see no indication. There is an officer waving me around, they’ve already cordoned off the area of the motorcade…. The President! We see the President exiting the car! The President is u…. Oh, oh no… The President has collapsed after exiting the car… We’re… We’re being told to pull around to the other side of Parkland, the police telling us they will not let us remain here, they will not allow anyone into this area of the hospital. Again, the President did exit the car, we know it was the President, he was easily recognizable as President Kennedy. But just seconds later he had collapsed. No idea on the others in the car, we only saw the President stand. Wait…. There’s another car arriving now demanding to be let in… It is a car of secret service agents…” – CBS Reporter following the motorcade – 12:38 PM

The President's Limousine just before arriving at Parkland Hospital - 12:38 PM

“There was a first, second, and third shot… Then a few seconds later another, and then another 2 in quick succession. They came from the Depository that much was clear.” – Hugh Aynesworth (eyewitness and former reporter)

“From Dallas, Texas, we at this current time have no word on the condition of President Kennedy, or other members of the motorcade who may or may not have been injured. At this current time, reports are coming in that Dallas police have surrounded the Texas Schoolbook Depository where it is currently being said the shots were fired from…. Hold on just a moment………… We now have confirmation that the shooter, still unidentified, has barricaded himself inside of the building. Police have surrounded the Texas Schoolbook Depository here in Dallas. Again, no word on the condition of the President. We will stay on the air to keep you all informed on the happenings in Dallas, Texas.” – Walter Cronkite 12:41 PM

The bloodstained backseat of the Presidential Limousine after the President and First Lady were removed from the limousine - taken the afternoon of 11/22/63

“All necessary information as follows… The President and First Lady, both, have been shot and have arrived at Parkland… Reports also stating Vice President Lyndon Johnson admitted to Parkland. Condition unknown. Stand by for further information.” – Secret Service radio transmission 12:43 PM

“We interrupt this program for a CBS Radio net alert bulletin… This is Allan Jackson reporting from CBS News Headquarters in New York with a bulletin on the incident that has just occurred in downtown Dallas, Texas where the President was visiting. President and Mrs. Kennedy were fired upon as they toured downtown Dallas. No word on their condition but the President and Mrs. Kennedy were both brought into Parkland Hospital via stretcher. President Kennedy was reported to have exited the car and walked several feet before collapsing into the arms of Secret Service agents. That is the latest word on their condition according to United Press International. Again President and Mrs. Kennedy are confirmed to have been wounded, possibly severely after being fired upon in their open roof limousine in the Presidential motorcade. The Associative Press reporting that the President has been shot in downtown Dallas. Mrs. Kennedy was apparently the first hit, with her falling to her side in the seat, before President Kennedy was reported to have screamed “Oh No!”, before himself being shot. So far there have been no reports on John Connelly, the Governor of Texas; or his wife who were in the car accompanying the President in the motorcade. After the shooting, the motorcade sped on arriving at Parkland within minutes. The car pulled in, with President Kennedy cradling the limp Mrs. Kennedy, before he himself collapsed after exiting the car.” Allan Jackson – First CBS Radio report of the Shooting – 12:59 PM

“Flash from Dallas, Vice President Johnson was also admitted to Parkland seconds after the President’s arrival. Initial thoughts had considered that he had arrived to view the condition of the President, but it is now clear and confirmed that the Vice-President has suffered either a medical ailment as a result of the events of today. Or Vice-President Johnson was also hit in the gunfire that echoed from the Depository, now surrounded by police that are in a standoff with the possible assassin. The only information we have is that he, Vice-President Johnson, has been admitted for emergency treatment along with the President and Mrs. Kennedy” – Walter Cronkite receiving news of the Vice-President Johnson 1:02 PM

 

[SargentHawk]

“As we headed into the turn in Dealey plaza, facing the Depository, the first shot rang out… We all perceived it as a motorcycle backfiring… or someone lighting firecrackers… We knew what was happening as Mrs. Kennedy slumped in her seat. I ran to the car and jumped onto the back of the limousine. That was when the other shot rang out and hit the President. I helped the doctors put Mrs. Kennedy onto a stretcher, at that point… there were no signs of life. There was a very large stain of blood beginning in her chest just above the right breast” - Clint Hill, Secret Service agent assigned to Mrs. Kennedy when questioned by other Secret Service 1:04 PM

Police maintain a perimeter around Parkland Hospital - 1:08 PM

“KRLD in Dallas has just released a statement… Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of the President, has died as a result of a bullet wound in her chest. This is a as yet unconfirmed report coming out of Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas. We have not heard any word on either the President or Vice-President. That again, no report on the President or Vice-President. But unconfirmed reports state that the First Lady of the United States… has died as a result of a gunshot wound she received while riding in the motorcade alongside her husband. The report saying from KRLD that the shots occurred before the motorcade turned onto Elm Street… As stated, this has not been confirmed… but the source we would say is a very reliable one, coming out of Parkland Hospital. We have learned that Father Hubert, a priest called into the hospital, has just performed the last sacrament for Mrs. Kennedy. The sus…. We have just received a report from our correspondent Dan Rather at Parkland Hospital. That he has confirmed that Mrs. Kennedy is dead. There is still no official confirmation, but that is what our correspondents are reporting. Still no word on the current severity of the President’s wounds, but aides in the hallways of the hospital have been heard as close as 5 minutes ago saying the President is alive, but severely wounded. Mrs. Connelly, wife of the Governor of Texas, appeared before reporters briefly at the hospital. When asked on the condition of herself and her husband, she replied that the two were ‘fine’ before being moved to another room by Secret Service personnel. That again, the Governor of Texas and his wife, unhurt according to Mrs. Connelly. No word from the Vice-President, but there are currently conflicting reports on the condition of the Vice-President. With some saying he was also shot, possibly in the chest, while others claiming the Vice-President to have suffered a heart attack. Right now, unclear. What we do know… is that the First Lady has died, arriving unresponsive to the hospital just over 30 minutes ago…” –Walter Cronkite reporting on the First Lady’s death 1:09 PM

Walter Cronkite near tears as he announces the death of First Lady Jackie Kennedy - 1:09 PM

“Be advised, Dallas PD and Secret Service are currently in a standoff with suspect. Suspect believed to be one, Lee Oswald, an employee at the Depository. Suspect armed and dangerous. Barricaded inside of the Depository, 6th floor.” – Dallas Police Dispatch 1:14 PM

“The President, John F. Kennedy, and Vice President Lyndon Johnson have both been admitted and are receiving emergency care as a result of bullet wounds. I repeat, both the President and Vice-President were shot and are now receiving emergency care. President Kennedy was shot twice, the first bullet entering the President’s chest where it proceeded to pass through and into the seat of the limousine. The second bullet, entered the top of the President’s left shoulder were it has lodged itself. Currently, we have managed to stabilize the President, but he has lost a significant amount of blood, as the President did begin to hemorrhage from these injuries. He has been given blood transfusions and is currently in the midst of an operation. The President arrived conscious, but in shock. Which explains his getting out of the limousine before collapsing from the injuries. As for the Vice-President, he has been shot once in the chest, where the bullet has also become lodged. He arrived seconds after the President, he however arrived unconscious and has remained so. He is also, currently in surgery.

I will also take this moment to provide definite clarification that Mrs. Kennedy has died from the result of her wounds. As far as we have been able to ascertain, a bullet ricocheted and past through and into Mrs. Kennedy’s heart, where it resulted in a fatal wound. While she arrived unresponsive, doctors and staff here at Parkland did everything in our power to save her life. We however, were not successful.” – First Conference given by Doctor George Shires 1:38 PM

Doctor Shires gives details on the President and Vice-President 1:39 PM

“We have a bulletin from Dallas; the Dallas Police have located their suspect, now identified as Lee H. Oswald and have entered in a standoff with the assassin. According to a statement just given to our correspondents on the scene, the assassin has barricaded himself on either the 5th or 6th floor of the Depository building. He has reportedly toppled boxes against the door, making it difficult for police to enter. The building swarming now with police and Secret Service men. Those still inside are being held and questioned by police as they work their way through the building, we are being told. We’ll keep you the viewers informed on this developing situation as more details are confirmed, we do not want to relay false information.” – Ron Cochran – ABC News Live Report 1:40 PM

Recording of Dallas Police Transmission; Channel 2 – 1:42 to 1:46 PM
Chief Curry (Caller 1): This is Curry, we need shooters on the roof of County Records, possibly top floor as well.
Dispatch: 10-4. Sending men to County Records.
Dispatch: 1:45 PM
Captain Lawrence (Caller 125): At Parkland, crowd gathering outside. Holding cordon line.
Dispatch: 10-4, at Parkland. Teams arriving at County Records, ETA 3 minutes.
Caller 1: Have shooters take shots available to them, suspect armed and dangerous. Barricaded inside of 6th floor room facing street and plaza.
*end excerpt*

“As many of you already know by now, as President Kennedy traveled via motorcade through downtown Dallas, Texas where he was to give a speech later today, shots were fired into the Presidential motorcade. As of now, it has been confirmed with absolute certainty after a conference with doctors at Parkland Hospital that the President and Vice-President have been severely wounded, and Mrs. Kennedy was also hit and has died from her wounds. We do not yet know how long the President or Vice-President have been in surgery or how long they are expected to remain so… Words from Dealey Plaza just minutes ago detail a continuing tense stand-off between the assassin and police surrounding the building.” –Chet Huntley – NBC News Report 1:50 PM

“We are here in Dealey Plaza, the police have made us take cover behind the corner as the stand-off between police and the assassin intensifies, and it is this reporters opinion that soon… very soon, we will see it brought to an end. We saw just minutes ago, a team of police sharpshooters arrive and proceed quickly into the County Records building that sits on the intersection between Houston and Elm Streets. The building is right across the street from the Schoolbook Depository, and they have, we assume, ascended to a level in which they will perhaps have a clear shot of the shooter, now we believe identified as Lee Harvey Oswald of Dallas Texas. He is an employee in the building, and he has apparently used that access and knowledge of the building to his advantage as he has barricaded himself on the 6th floor. Not the 5th as we had originally heard. It is a very tense situation here at Dealey Plaza, as the scene is absolutely swarming with police as they look for any other possible shooters who may have been involved with this attempt on the President’s life. Already we have…. We have what I believe to be… Yes! A solid yet quick procession of gunfire. Looking around the corner, we cannot see who has fired, but that was indeed gunfire, what sounded like the crack of rifles more than that of say a pistol being fired. We’re now seeing police that had been behind cover converging and pouring into the Book Depository, based on their previous caution we can assume that Oswald has in some way been unarmed… Either he has surrendered or he has been shot. I can’t say with any degree of certainty which it is, but this stand-off is about to end. We’ll do our best to try and see what has happened…” – ABC Correspondent in Dealey Plaza 2:03 PM

Police entering the Schoolbook Depository after a sharpshooter takes down Oswald - 2:04 PM


Warren Commission Interview of Dallas PD Officer Tippit (Jan. 1964):

Ford: Now Officer, Can you tell us what you saw when you entered the 6th floor and found Lee Oswald?
Officer: When we battered the door down and managed to push boxes out of the way, we found Oswald sitting in the corner. He was bleeding badly and still holding his rifle, that rifle. We had received confirmation of a positive shot from the sharpshooters in the County Records building, and so the injury was of no surprise to us. We approached Oswald with guns drawn and kicked the rifle away and by that point he was too weak from the loss of blood to really resist the arrest. When we managed to get Oswald out of the building some thirty minutes later he had expired.
Ford: It took thirty minutes to remove Oswald from the premises?
Officer: Yes, we had procedure to follow, and we cleared the building of the possibility of other shooters before we removed him, we also cordoned off the exit of the building to try and ensure he was removed without receiving further retribution from any possible vigilantes.
Ford: Which took thirty minutes, when you were aware of the serious injuries he had sustained?
Officer: Yes.
Ford: And so Oswald, or better said, Oswald’s corpse, was loaded into the ambulance at approximately 2:35 that afternoon. The afternoon of November 22, 1963?
Officer: Yes.
Ford: And that was the last you saw of the body correct?
Officer: Affirmative, at that point it passed from my responsibility to someone else.
Ford: Thank you officer, you’re free to go.
*End Tape*

Lee Harvey Oswald's body, shooter of the President, brought out on a gurney as it is loaded into an ambulance and taken to Parkland, fabric (possibly a sweater) placed over the wound - 2:36 PM

“You’re looking at footage now, of the suspected assassin being loaded into an ambulance. Ironically also being taken to Parkland hospital. Now, if word on the ground is correct, he will not be receiving care at the hospital as in the process of his arrest he was indeed shot by police stationed in the County Records building across the street. An officer on the scene has declared the condition of Oswald as ‘dead’. I repeat according to officers on the scene, Lee Oswald, the suspected assassin of Mrs. Kennedy and the shooter of the President and Vice-President was killed during the standoff between himself and police attempting to arrest him. Sadly, it appears that we may never fully understand just why this man saw fit to fire into the Presidential motorcade. What does appear to be clear now, is that while Dealey Plaza in Dallas is still being combed for other potential shooters, it does appear as if Oswald has acted alone in this attempt on the life of the President. We’ll send you now to Parkland hospital where we will keep viewers posted of President Kennedy and Vice-President Johnson’s current condition.” Walter Cronkite – CBS news Live Coverage 2:36 PM

Shire delivers second conference on the conditions of the President and Vice-President - 3:30 PM

“Everyone, I have been asked by the doctors overseeing the President and the Vice-President to relay the following information to all of you. First and foremost, I was mistaken earlier when stating the Vice-President had been shot in the chest. He was shot in the back, and the bullet lodged an inch from his heart. Vice-President Johnson is currently still undergoing an operation to locate and remove the bullet, his condition at the moment is critical. The Vice-President’s heart, for a span of roughly 1 minute, stopped beating and while we have managed to restart the heart, the President… I’m sorry, the Vice-President… is in such critical condition, we are unsure that he will survive the surgery…
As for the President, while his wounds are very serious, it appears that the bullets have managed to miss vital organs of any kind. The main complication, and cause for the vast blood loss in the President, is a small opening in the aortic artery, in an area directly above the heart. This opening was created as the bullet entered the President’s chest… while it was only a very small opening, we believe this opening increased in size, possibly as he stepped out of the limousine, and allowed a large quantity of the President’s blood to bleed out internally…. We have managed to get the President’s condition stable where it is, and we do expect the President to be able to make a full recovery if no further surprises occur during the surgery to repair the damage done by the bullets. That is not to say the President is out of the woods yet, we do not want to downplay the severity of the injury he has sustained.” – Second Parkland Hospital Press Conference by George Shire – 3:30 PM

 

[SargentHawk]

A Diagram depicting the shots in Dealey Plaza.

 

[SargentHawk]

“All necessary information as follows… House Speaker McCormack has been secured and informed of the situation in Dallas, Texas. Attorney General also secured. Stand By for further necessary information.” – Secret Service Transmission 3:34 PM

“As we all heard just moments ago, The President severely wounded, yet expected to fully recover, new complications notwithstanding. While the Vice-President gravely wounded and not expected to survive. As we all sit, the President’s condition offering perhaps the only silver lining to the events of today, we remember the day that started off with such promise and potential to be a historic visit for the President and those by his side. A day of promise twisted into a day of tragedy there in Dallas through the barrel of a rifle held by just one individual with a vendetta and explanation taken to the grave. On days like today, we are reminded that no matter the standing, we all on this Earth are human and each life is equally as fragile as the next. We will never forget the gracious smile of America’s First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, as she departed from Air Force One in Dallas this morning and entered the limousine with her husband. A tragedy in all senses of the English language has occurred today, and we all are aware that from this day, it will never be the same as it was.” – Walter Cronkite – CBS News Coverage 3:51 PM

“God Dammit! We’re losing him again! Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!” – Doctor working on Lyndon Johnson heard screaming in the operating room 3:59 PM

“The eyes of not only this nation but the world’s look towards Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas as surgery is underway for both President Kennedy and the Vice-President. We at this station join the rest of the United States as we wait with the fullest hope and apprehension that both men pull through and recover from these injuries inflicted by Lee Oswald. Attorney General Robert Kennedy, the brother of President Kennedy as you all know, is accounted for and was last seen at his Virginia home. For those just joining us; the President, still in surgery, is expected to survive. Vice-President Johnson however, gravely wounded and not expected to survive through the surgery attempting to remove the bullet from near his heart.” David Brinkley – NBC News Live coverage 4:08 PM

Attorney General Robert Kennedy hugging family before departing for Dallas Texas - 4:09 PM

“We’re standing here near the home of Robert Kennedy, where just moments ago we witnessed a car leaving with who we, based on reliable information, believe to be the Attorney General. Some individuals saying the President’s brother possibly on his way to the airport in order to travel to Dallas. No confirmation on that being his destination, just one of the many theories floating around here in Virginia…” – ABC News Reporter outside the home of Robert Kennedy – 4:12 PM

“The body of Lee Oswald arrived at the hospital about twelve minutes after being loaded into the ambulance at the Texas Schoolbook Depository… His remains have been taken to an undisclosed room in Parkland Hospital, where an autopsy is being conducted under the watchful eye of Secret Service agents. The assassin dead from two shots to the abdomen. The shots delivered by a police sharpshooter atop the County Records building, the policemen has asked news stations including our own to not reveal his name, a request we have granted.” – Ron Cochran; ABC News Live Report 4:14 PM

Walter Cronkite announcing the death of LBJ on live television - 4:15 PM

“The latest from Dallas as follows… Vice-President Lyndon Baines Johnson died on the operating table, at approximately 4:00 PM today, exactly three and a half hours after being shot in Dealey Plaza by assassin Lee Oswald, also dead. Again, Vice-President Johnson has died… he died approximately 15 minutes ago. According to the latest reports from our affiliate Dan Rather, the Vice-President’s heart failed for the second time as a result of the shooting as Doctor’s attempted to perform emergency surgery. His wife, known by many as Lady Bird, has not been seen by anyone at Parkland hospital, although we are certain she is somewhere in the building. Some affiliates and other stations claiming her being consoled by Governor and Mrs. Connally. The three of them entirely free of injury as far as we are able to ascertain. The focus now turns entirely to President Kennedy as he undergoes surgery to repair the aortic artery just above his heart that the bullet clipped as it passed through the President’s chest. May god be with those in Dallas, the Kennedy family, and the Johnson family as this day and the days to come unfold.” – Walter Cronkite – CBS News announcing the death of Lyndon Johnson 4:15 PM

“I share the shock… and the dismay that the entire nation must feel as a result of this incredibly despicable act that has taken the lives of the Vice President and the First Lady. As we stand here now, the President undergoing a surgery to save his life, we must remember to have faith that not all will be lost today. On the personal side… Mrs. Eisenhower and I… share the grief that they, the Kennedy and Johnson families must feel… We are sending our most prayerful thoughts and our most sympathetic sentiments at this… in this hour… When faced with such a terrible thing, I am sure we as a citizenry will join together to lend our support as one body. To express not only the grief we all feel… but to express as well our indignation at the senselessness of such an attack. I hope and ask that we all take this time to throw our full support behind this government to ensure it continue smoothly in the face of such tragedy. The American nation is a people of great common sense… and we will not be stampeded into violence or bewilderment in the face of the adversity we have encountered today. The American people are a loyal people… and we should not allow that to be changed by this brief psychotic… psychopathic accident that has occurred. If the government or anyone in the Kennedy or Johnson family require in anyway my assistance… I of course will be immediately available to them.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower responding to the shooting 4:31 PM

Former President Eisenhower speaking at an impromptu press conference at the United Nations building in New York City - 4:31 PM

“Here at the Washington National Airport, we have seen a portion of the complex placed under a state of lockdown by the Secret Service and Attorney General Robert Kennedy has arrived in order to board a plane heading to Dallas, Texas. Here! Here he is now. Robert Kennedy walking briskly by, visibly shaken, which is understandable, as he stops for no one on his way to the plane awaiting him. The man surrounded on all sides by secret service who are as protective and cautious of every possibility after the events today has seen.” NBC affiliate reporting from Washington National Airport 4:39 PM

“Everyone, I come bearing good news… as well as bad regarding the President…. President Kennedy arrived at Parkland having lost a significant level of blood due to internal bleeding. Our best measurements at the time approximate the total blood loss suffered by President Kennedy to roughly 3 ¾ quarts of blood, which is more than half of the total blood volume held in a human being. Because of this, the President… was given multiple blood transfusions before, during, and after the surgery to try and maintain a level of blood to ensure the President’s survival. This was successful and as of now, we have managed to repair the damage to the artery that was the major cause of blood loss. With the major injury now mended we are now free to make an attempt at removing the second bullet, albeit it is not entirely necessary as it is not in an area that is life threatening, but we will remove it to avoid even the slightest chance of additional damage or pain being suffered chronically by the President. Now for the bad news…. We have recorded the President to currently have a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit, we believe this to be the result of a negative reaction to the blood transfusions. We are keeping an incredibly watchful eye over the President for the time being and holding off on proceeding with this second surgery… as we are very concerned with this fever, which can be life threatening given the President’s condition.” – Doctor Shire’s third conference at Parkland. – 5:00 PM

"Have we informed the doctors on Lancer's medical conditions?" - Secret Service agent assigned to Kennedy - 5:02 PM

 

[SargentHawk]

“I arrived within probably 4 to 5 minutes of the time the President had arrived at the hospital. I immediately made my way to the room the President had been taken to in order to oversee the operation and let the doctors in Parkland know of Kennedy’s blood type and pre-existing medical conditions. We had a gag order placed on the staff of Parkland that were in attendance not to discuss prior medical conditions that the President had on record. This was a matter of privacy for the President, who did not wish for his medical history to be released.” – Admiral Burkley, President Kennedy’s personal doctor. – spoken during interview for Warren Commission in 1964

“I have heard over the past hour a lot of conjecture regarding the state of the Executive Branch and the Presidency. I want to, at this time, make what I am about to say absolutely clear. I, John W. McCormack am not the current President of the United States. At this time, I am merely acting for the President for the time that it takes President Kennedy to recover from his injuries. I will not make any movements that would in any way steer this nation or the Kennedy Administration away from where the President has drawn the course. If, in the time it takes the President to recover, I am required to make executive decisions… I will do so with the advisement and consideration of all in the cabinet as well as the President’s trusted advisors. No play for Presidential power will be taken by myself or any other… that I will ensure to the utmost of my ability.” – House Speaker McCormack speaking from his office to reporters 5:21 PM

“The President is out of surgery and breathing normally. Still unconscious. Fever at 103 degrees Fahrenheit.” – Update in Times Square New York 5:25 PM

The Rifle being examined after its confiscation earlier that day - 5:30 PM

“This gentlemen, is the rifle used by the assassin. It is, for those who do not know, a 6.5 mm Carcano model 91/38 carbine with the serial number of C2766. Oswald also made use of a 4x magnification scope in this crime. The rifle was found with an empty cartridge loaded into the rifle, making it appear as if he had fired all 6 bullets in his possession. Oswald was also carrying a fully loaded .38 caliber smith and Wesson revolver; serial number V510210 when he was arrested after being fatally wounded. Note, if you will, the blood on both weapons. This of course is the blood of Lee Oswald, who was shot while still holding the rifle. These rifles are being surrendered to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in order for the in-depth investigation of today’s events to be carried out in the coming months ahead. Thank you all for your time.” – Dallas PD Investigator 5:40 PM

“We’re here outside of Parkland Hospital, as we have been since the shooting early this afternoon. Over the past hour or so we have witnessed a very large congregation converge near the hospital wishing to make a show of support for the President, who now having developed this fever remains… in serious condition. We have seen many holding candles… even more with tears in their eyes. There is also a mound of flowers, wreaths, and other markings of grief and condolences for the First Lady and the Vice-President, who as we all know have passed away as a result of today’s shooting. As the sun begins to set here in Dallas, Texas we all hope that we will soon here word that the President’s fever has broken or in any case that the President ends today in a stable condition. America looking for just the slimmest of positive points in a day so filled with tragedy.” CBS Affiliate Reporter outside of Parkland Hospital 6:00 PM

Crowd gathering outside of Parkland hospital - 6:00 PM


“……………Is Jackie okay?................” – President Kennedy upon waking up in Parkland Hospital 6:29 PM

“I have an update on the condition of the President… President Kennedy, while still holding steady with a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit, has woken up from the surgery and is conscious. He is in a great deal of pain which is already being suppressed heavily through medications. We are doing everything we can in order to break this fever, so that we can fully stabilize the President. It has been decided here that we will not be removing the second bullet at this time. We believe that the surgery required to remove this bullet would do nothing at this current time but further endanger the life and well-being of Mr. Kennedy. He is responsive when it comes to both visual and auditory stimulation. That of course is a magnificent sign considering the magnitude of the blood loss.” - Doctor Shire's last conference of 11/22/63 6:38 PM

“For the first time today we have magnificent news from Dallas as President Kennedy is awake and responsive, having passed stimulation tests to judge the possible damage he could have suffered due to the injuries and subsequent blood loss. Again, President Kennedy awake and responsive. No word if he has been informed on the current situation…” – Walter Cronkite CBS News 6:40 PM


“We didn’t want to tell the President just what had happened when he first woke up, even as he demanded it. We feared that the shock of having lost Jackie would send him into a downward spiral we wouldn’t be able to pull him from… so we made the decision, at the time, to tell the President that the First Lady had only been slightly injured. Given that he did not remember the events following the initial shot, it wasn’t hard to convince him otherwise. We did however inform him that the Vice President had passed after being shot. The President looked deeply worried over the safety of Jackie…. And that was heartbreaking to see. He had no idea.” – Admiral Burkely; spoken during an interview in the Warren Commission.

One frame from the Hughes Film, now notorious for having the clearest footage of the shooting, second only to the Zapruder film which caught the last shot to Kennedy and the fatal shot to Johnson on film.

“Yes… I was the one who filmed the shooting… I was standing on Houston Street, right where the motorcade turned onto it, and I filmed the Kennedy’s as they rode past, the President waved at me in return. Just as his hand lowered.. I heard the first crack, but I kept filming… as I just didn’t register what was unfolding at that time. Then when I heard another I realized that the President was under fire. I’m not exactly sure why I kept the camera rolling, I just felt like it was the right thing to do at the time….to document what happened and what was happening. When the President’s car picked up speed I ran across the plaza to look at Elm Street and to film the cars flying past, and that’s when I also filmed the… the… fatal shot to Vice-President Johnson… I don’t have the film at the moment, it was confiscated by the Secret Service for the investigation. They assured me it would be returned after copies were made…” – Robert Hughes, man who filmed the clearest view of the Kennedys being shot, on an appearance to a local news station. 6:55 PM

“More news from here, right outside of Parkland Hospital, where Attorney General Robert Kennedy has just arrived after flying in from Virginia this afternoon. He was quickly escorted with complete cover through the doors of the hospital. Walking by the blood drenched limousine that has now been draped with white sheets. Robert Kennedy was audibly heard to say, “Jesus” as he shook his head while heading inside, visibly shaken by the sight of the limousine, now ghostly in appearance and covered as if already a relic of a time long gone.” – NBC Reporter outside of Parkland 9:26 PM

“Where’s Jack, someone take me to him! Does he know what’s happened?” -Robert Kennedy 9:28 PM

“President’s Fever Broken, Current Temperature 99.2 Degrees.” – Times Square Update in New York 9:55 PM

 

[SargentHawk]

Transcript from memory of Conversation between President and Bobby Kennedy: 10:00 to 10:03 PM
Bobby: Hello Jack.
JFK: Bobby, what in the hell are you doing here?
Bobby: I wasn’t going to let my brother sit in here alone, I’ve lost one brother… I was afraid I had lost another when I heard the news. We didn’t know if you were alive or dead for the longest time. Dad… he’s gotten better since we’ve got you back and stable here. He was very worried according to everyone, they all kind of converged at home.
JFK: Sorry to give you guys a fright… Have you seen Jackie yet, how is she? They said she was gonna be alright…
Bobby: ………
JFK: What…. Bobby…. Tell me what the hell is going on….
Bobby: Jack…. I… She’s gone Jack…. She’s gone…


“The President! He’s flat lining!” – Doctor running down the hall 10:04 PM

(((Sorry, had to have the fake out. The flat-line is Kennedy ripping wires off of him in a rage.)))

“Get Burkley’s ass in here right fucking now! That no good goddamn bastard! I’m going to kill that son of a bitch! Who in the hell does he think he is!” – President Kennedy 10:05 PM

“Jack! Please! Lay down! You’re going to kill yourself!” – Robert Kennedy 10:05 PM

“The President needs to lay down or he’ll open his wounds again Mr. Kennedy! He needs to lay down or we will have to sedate him! Mr. President please!” – Nurse responding to the flatline 10:06 PM

Transcript from memory of Conversation between Admiral Burkley and Bobby Kennedy: 10:14 to 10:16 PM:
Burkley: We had to sedate him… Why did you tell him? Did no one tell you that we were waiting until he was in good enough condition to handle the news without risking further damage?
RFK: No! No one told me! What was I supposed to do? Lie to him?
Burkley: Yes! That was exactly what you needed to do! Because now we’re having to do checks to make sure he’s not flowing blood again.
RFK: Fuck you! That’s the President in there, you do not lie to the President.

 

[SargentHawk]

11/23/63

Robert Kennedy speaks to the press the morning of 11/23/63

“The President is stable. He is going to make a full recovery according to every health expert here in Parkland. My brother is the strongest person I know and I have the fullest confidence that he will make this recovery in no time at all. When the okay is given by the experts here, we will be departing for Washington. Where we will continue to deliver the care that is needed. As he recovers here, I am in direct contact with Washington and acting President McCormack and relaying their concerns and questions to the President and in turn relaying his replies and directions to them. We’re doing our best to give him the time that he needs. As it is for the President, now is a time for healing.” – Robert Kennedy to the Press at Parkland 9:15 AM

“And right now we are seeing the somber procession of the two hearses leaving Parkland Hospital. The flag draped coffins of First Lady Jackie Kennedy and Vice-President Lyndon Johnson as they make their way to Love Field, the very airport they arrived at yesterday before tragedy struck so unexpectedly. Unfortunately, the President is of course unable to return to Washington with his late wife as they are keeping him until he is stable enough to travel. Once arriving in Washington, both Jackie Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson will be given a State Funeral before being buried according to their families’ wishes. Robert Kennedy is here in Dallas as you saw this morning, overseeing the care of his brother. We expect the President’s other brother Ted Kennedy and the rest of the Kennedy family to be waiting to receive the First Lady’s remains.” – Walter Cronkite CBS News 10:00 AM

 

[SargentHawk]

EPILOGUE:

President Kennedy would remain at Parkland Hospital for ten days following his attempted assassination that came within centimeters of taking his life. The President would slowly board Air Force One with his brother Robert lending a careful and supportive hand the entire way. Although not recommended in any sense by any doctor on the staff at Parkland Hospital, Kennedy insisted that he leave the hospital under his own power. He gently walked to the limousine waiting for him, this time with an all too noticeable covered top.

As he ascended the stairs to the plane, he heard the crowd's solemn claps as they wished him a full recovery but also sent their condolences and respect for his loss. While he pushed through the pain, as he had the majority of his life, he knew that he would indeed not be running for reelection. The pain was simply too great for him to continue on with this stress also bearing down on him. With his wife gone, he know looked upon his children with a new level of importance, as he remembered Jackie and thought of his two children... and the one he had lost just months before... the world at large seemed less important to him. Close to tears from the pain in his chest and shoulder, John F. Kennedy began to write a speech that shocked the nation when he delivered it a month later.

"It is with a somber duty of doing what is best for the nation... that I, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, will not seek... nor will I accept... a second term as President of the United States. It is my hope, that my brother... Robert Kennedy... be considered by the Democratic Party as their candidate for President in 1964." - John F. Kennedy; January 1964

Kennedy, with help from his brother Robert, would perform the duty of President for the remainder of his term, although many historians view this period as one of a lame-duck presidency. This is simply because little progress was actually made in the terms of the platform set forward by Jack Kennedy in 1960 and instead he manned the ship dutifully until the next election. JFK would take these months to fully recover, and in March, would undergo a second surgery to remove the bullet in his shoulder that had caused him massive pain throughout the recovery period. JFK's major accomplishments during this period are commonly sited as being for setting the groundwork that would allow his brother Robert to enter the Presidency in 1964 with a running start. He used public sympathy to set the groundwork for a fully powerful Civil Rights Bill that would pass in 1965 and in a less beneficial move, would order more men into South Vietnam to support the government there (Something RFK would later curtail and roll-back).

John F. Kennedy would enter private life the same day he witnessed his brother inaugurated as the 36th President of the United States and acted as his brother's most trusted advisor for the entirety of the RFK Administration.

Jack Kennedy never remarried, always stating that he had always loved Jackie the most of anyone he had ever known. In his later years, he would even openly regret the times in which his own transgressions had tried their marriage to the near breaking point. The assassination attempt on the President would forge a stronger man, one focused inward at family. That is not to say he remained entirely in his private life. The former President was rewarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his work with the Peace Corps and his charity work in Africa and South America in 1972. Following this success, Kennedy toured until 1974 when his back pain proved too great for him to tour the country, at this point having him confined to a wheel chair. Nevertheless, Kennedy remained active in some way or form until his death.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy passed away in his sleep from complications to health problems in 1986. He was buried next to his wife.

PARKLAND.