COPY OF DOCUMENT 3423-PS
SEVENTH MEDICAL LABORATORY
APO 403, c/o PM, NEW YORK, N.Y.

Section of Pathology
25 May 1945

SUBJECT: Identification of Tattooed Skin Hides

TO: COMMANDING GENERAL, Third U.S. Army

ATTN: JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL

1. There were submitted to this laboratory section for examination three tanned pieces of skin by Lt. Col. Givin from Buchenwald Camp with office record designation of Case 81 T.J.A.

2. The description follows:

GROSS: Specimen consists of three pieces of skin labeled A.B.C.

PIECE A: Measures 13x13cm., is transparent and shows a woman’s head in the center and a sailor with an anchor near the margin.

PIECE B: Measures 14x13cm., is transparent and is a tattoo of several anchors resting on an indefinite black mass. To the right of this mass is a man’s head.

PIECE C: Is truncated, measures 44cm. At the base. The upper portion is 30 cm. Long and the sides measure 46 cm. The skin is transparent and shows two nipples in the upper area. These are 16 cm. Apart. From the nipple level to the umbilicus is 23 « cm. A large bird, with a wingspread measuring 28 cm., is present in the center of the skin, upper part. A black dragon, with fire coming from the mouth, measures 28 cm. in length and is present in the center of the skin. To the left of the dragon is a man in a coat of mail, with a sword being apparently stuck in the dragon. Man is approximately 22 cm. in length.

MICROSCOPIC: The tissue consists of bundles of collagen showing occasional epithelial and sweat gland remnants. Granular black pigment granules are seen between some of the bundles.

3. Based on the findings in paragraph 2, all three specimens are tattooed human skin.

For the Commanding Officer,

(Signed by Ruben Cares)
Ruben Cares
Major M.C., Chief of pathology