Several times enroute the President's car stopped and the President shook hands with the crowds. In the downtown, heavily congested, area of Dallas, a teen-age male came forth from the crowds on my right side. I left the follow-up car, chased the youth several yards before running him into the crowds on the right side. We departed the downtown area and the crowds diminished noticeably.

At about 12:30 pm we began the approach to the Thornton Freeway traveling about 20-25 MPH in a slight incline. I was about 25-30 feet from President Kennedy who was located in the right rear seat. I heard what appeared to be fire crackers going off from my position. I immediately turned to my right rear trying to locate the source but was not able to determine the exact location.

At this time the US Secret Service follow-up car seemed to slow and I heard someone from inside this car say: "he's shot." I left the follow-up car in the direction of the President's car but was recalled by ATSAIC Emory Roberts (Secret Service) as the cars increased their speeds. I got back on the car and seated myself beside Mr. Roberts in the right front seat. The cars proceeded to the hospital several miles distance.

On my arrival at the Parkland Hospital, Dallas, hospital personnel were awaiting the arrival of President Kennedy. After the President was taken to the emergency room, I was posted by ASAIC Kellerman (Secret Service), at the door entrance. I remained on this post until notified by ATSAIC Roberts that we were leaving for Love Field with President Johnson. I departed the hospital in a Dallas Police Cruiser to the rear of President Johnson.

Upon my arrival at Love Field I boarded the Presidential Aircraft (USAF#I), expecting to depart immediately. It was at this time that I was notified that Mrs. Kennedy and the late President were returning to Washington, D.C. on this plane.

ATSAIC Roberts asked me to set-up the airport security which I did. Mrs. Kennedy arrived and we were relieved by the 4-12 shift who then boarded the Presidential aircraft.

At 3:15 p.m. I departed Love Field, Dallas, Texas for Washington, DC on the Vice-Presidential aircraft (USAF#2).

/s/ John D. Ready

Special Agent

White House Detail

Friday, November 22, 1963

7:25 pm

On Friday, November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas, I was working the US Secret Service follow-up car about 25-30 feet to the rear of President and Mrs. Kennedy, Gov. and Mrs. Connally of Texas. At about 12:30 p.m. I heard what sounded like fire crackers going off from my post on the right front running board. The President's car slowed, someone in the follow-up car stated he was shot, and I left to run to the President's car. At that time I was recalled to the follow-up car and took the right front seat aside of ATSAIC Roberts, and proceeded to a hospital several miles distant.

The shooting occurred as we were approaching the Thornton Freeway, traveling about 20-25 miles per hour in a slight incline. There appeared to be no spectators on the right side of the road-way.

After the initial shot I attempted to locate the area from where they had come from but was not able to. It appeared that the shots came from my right-rear side.

/s/ John D. Ready

Special Agent