(Testimony of Roy H. , Special Agent, Secret Kellerman)
Mr. Kellerman.
I don't believe, Mr. Specter, that it was ever concluded that there was an entry in the front.
Mr. Specter.
Then that completes the conversations at the autopsy?
Mr. Kellerman.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Specter.
On any of the subjects I have asked you about?
Mr. Kellerman.
Right.
Mr. Specter.
The question which I had then started to ask you was whether you had any impression at the time of the second and third shots, which you described as a flurry of shots, as to the point of origin or source of those shots.
Mr. Kellerman.
The only answer I can give to that is that they would have to come from the rear.
Mr. Specter.
Well, is that the impression or reaction you had at the time of the flurry?
Mr. Kellerman.
That is right, sir.
Mr. Specter.
Have you ever, since the time of the assassination to this date, had any contrary impression, reaction, or view that the shots came from the front of the President?
Mr. Kellerman.
No.
Mr. Specter.
Now, Mr. Kellerman, with respect to the immediate reaction by you to the emergency situation, did you consider at any time leaving your seat, on the right front of the President's automobile, to go into the rear portion, where the President sat?
Mr. Kellerman.
No, sir.
Mr. Specter.
And what is the basis for--or what was the basis for your conclusion on that?
Mr. Kellerman.
After I had heard President Kennedy's voice say, "My God, I am hit," I viewed him, which was enough for me that he was. My decision was to get this man to a hospital, because he needed medical treatment. And during the few seconds that I instructed the driver to get out of here, we are hit, my second instruction was to the man in the lead car ahead of us for the same, to lead us to a hospital, that we are hit. I then turn around, and I had two people injured. Not only was the President down in his seat; the Governor was down in his seat. My presence back there was gone. On top of that, I had Mr. Hill lying across that trunk.
Mr. Specter.
What do you mean when you say, sir, that your presence back there was gone?
Mr. Kellerman.
They were comfortable, if there is a comfort in this. Mr. Hill was taking care of Mrs. Kennedy. Mrs. Connally was over the Governor; there was no motion. The next thing was a doctor, sir.
Mr. Specter.
Did you consider presenting a further shield for the President at that time?
Mr. Kellerman.
No, sir.
Mr. Specter.
Did the metallic handhold which you described early in your testimony as being about 15 inches off the top of the seat and going all the way across the width of the car, did that metal structure present any substantial impediment to your moving from the front seat to the rear seat of the automobile?
Mr. Kellerman.
Mr. Specter, I think it would have been a small obstacle. However, let me say this: If I thought in my own mind that I was needed back there, there wouldn't have been an obstacle strong enough to hold me.
Mr. Specter.
How about the presence of Governor Connally in the jump seat? Would the presence of Governor Connally or any passenger in the jump seat provide a substantial obstacle to your moving from your seat to shield the President's body?
Mr. Kellerman.
Not at all. It wouldn't have made any difference, sir. Why? Because my job is to protect the President, sir, regardless of the obstacles.
Mr. Specter.
Did Mr. Greer at any time use the radio in your car?
Mr. Kellerman.
No, sir.
Mr. Specter.
Mr. Kellerman, did the President's automobile at any time slow down after the first shot?
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