The Truth Behind the Casket: JFK's Burial and Transportation
When discussing the details surrounding President John F. Kennedy's body, it is essential to separate fact from fiction. The notion that JFK's body was placed in an aluminum casket has been a subject of conspiracy theories and unverified hearsay. This article aims to clarify the confusion and provide accurate information based on credible sources and evidence.
Unsubstantiated Claims and Hearsay
It is often assumed that JFK's body was transported in an aluminum casket, but this is a misconception rooted in unsubstantiated hearsay. Many conspiracy theorists cling to this idea as if it were gospel, but there is no tangible evidence to support such a claim. If anyone has any photos or documents to support the existence of such a casket, they are encouraged to present them. However, it is reasonable to accept that the majority of people directly involved with transporting the President's body were correct in their recollections, while a few outliers may be mistaken or misleading due to forgetfulness, dishonesty, or a combination of both.
Accurate Account of the Casket Used During Transport
Based on accurate accounts and available evidence, JFK's body was likely placed in a body bag inside an aluminum casket supplied by Walter Reed Hospital on the way to Bethesda Naval Hospital.
Several naval personnel who were present witnessed the transfer of JFK's body from the aluminum casket to a more ornate Dallas casket. Jerrol Custer, a lead X-ray technician, had the opportunity to take X-rays of the President's body. He later recalled seeing the Mrs. Kennedy's ambulance arrive at the hospital after a period of about 20 minutes, during which time he had to wait for the Mrs. Kennedy's entourage to cross the hospital's lobby. This timeline provides a crucial piece of evidence suggesting the possibility of subterfuge regarding the alterations in JFK's wounds.
Following the autopsy, the Navy hospital required all its employees involved in the procedures to sign non-disclosure forms. This precaution underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the evidence and the extensive measures taken to ensure confidentiality.
Timeline of Transport and Casket Switch
Exactly when the casket switch happened is still a mystery. On that tragic day, several government planes were en route to Washington D.C. Air Force One, carrying President Johnson and Mrs. Kennedy, along with the heavy Dallas casket, was one of them. Air Force Two, the aircraft used by President Johnson before he became President, and a C-130 transport plane were also involved.
It is plausible that any alterations to JFK's body may have been made on one of these planes. The C-130, which transported the President's limousine and the follow-up vehicle, had the habit of being ahead of Air Force One, ensuring that it was ready when the President disembarked. Therefore, it would seem more likely that any modifications were performed on Air Force Two or the C-130 rather than on Air Force One.
John Liggett, a reputable Dallas mortician known for his skill in reconstructing mutilated corpses, is rumored to have left Dallas for Washington D.C. and returned with a significant amount of cash. This speculation adds another layer of intrigue to the events surrounding JFK's body, but it remains a matter of conjecture.
Avoiding Misinformation
It is crucial for those interested in the details of JFK's burial and transportation to conduct thorough research and rely on credible sources. Drawing conclusions based on unverified claims can perpetuate misinformation and contribute to unfounded theories. The predominant evidence supports the idea that JFK's body was placed in a body bag in an aluminum casket, and any alterations to his body may have been made en route to Washington D.C. The question of when this occurred remains unresolved, but one thing is clear: Lee Harvey Oswald had no control over this.