Mr. SPECTER. It would be either way?
Dr. LIGHT. Yes; I don't feel too certain that it was yawing. The
measurements were not particularly precise as far as I could tell.
You wouldn't expect them to be in an operating room. So I think it is
difficult to be sure there that the missile wasn't presenting nose on.
It undoubtedly struck not at normal instance, that is to say it was a
certain obliquity, just in the nature of the way the shoulder is built.
Mr. SPECTER. Then do you think based on only the anatomical findings
and the results of the tests which Dr. Olivier has performed that the
scales are in equipoise as to whether the bullet passed through the
President first and then through the Governor or passed only through
the Governor?
Dr. LIGHT. Yes; I would say I don't feel justified in drawing a
conclusion one way or the other on that basis alone.
Mr. SPECTER. Do you have any preference of any sort?
Dr. LIGHT. Yes; I do, for other reasons.
Mr. SPECTER. But only for the other reasons?
Dr. LIGHT. As I mentioned, their positions in the automobile, the
fact that if it wasn't the way--if one bullet didn't produce all
of the wounds in both of the individuals, then that bullet ought
to be somewhere, and hasn't been found. But those are not based on
Dr. Olivier's tests nor are they based on the autopsy report or the
surgeon's findings in my mind.
(Discussion off the record.)
Mr. DULLES. On the record.
Mr. SPECTER. Dr. Light, do you have an opinion as to whether or not the
wound inflicted on Governor Connally's wrist could have been caused by
a fragment which struck the President's head?
Dr. LIGHT. It is barely conceivable but I do not believe that that is
the case.
Mr. SPECTER. You say barely?
Dr. LIGHT. Barely conceivable. I mean a fragment probably had enough
velocity, it couldn't have produced that wound, in my mind, but it
can't be ruled out with complete certainty.
Mr. SPECTER. Do you have anything to add which you think would be
helpful to the Commission in any way?
Dr. LIGHT. I don't believe I do.
Mr. SPECTER. Those are all the questions I have, Commissioner Dulles.
Mr. DULLES. Thank you very much indeed. I express our appreciation.
I didn't realize these tests were being carried out. I am very glad
they have been. It is a very useful thing to do and very helpful to
the Commission. Thank you very much. I want to thank all three of you
doctors for having so fully cooperated in this matter, and I think that
these tests that you have run have made a real contribution to the
Commission's work.
(Whereupon, at 5:10 p.m., the President's Commission recessed.)
_Thursday, May 14, 1964_