Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent whose name became synonymous with valor and devotion after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, has died at the age of 93. Hill’s reflexes on that disastrous day in November 1963—when he jumped onto the rear of the presidential limousine to shield the President and First Lady—made him a hero to the nation and the world.
A Lifetime of Service
Early Career Hill had more to his credit than the Kennedy presidency, and his actions during the assassination ensured his name would go down in history books. A native of North Dakota, Hill was originally assigned to President Eisenhower’s detail before he moved to Mrs. Kennedy’s protective detail.
The Assassination On November 22, 1963, while the Kennedy motorcade snaked through Dallas, tragedy struck. When he heard those shots, Hill leaped from the follow-up car onto the vehicle carrying the Kennedys, an act immortalized in the Zapruder film, which captured the immediate aftermath of the assassination.
Legacy and Reflections
Post-Assassination In the weeks that followed Kennedy’s murder, Hill continued to protect Mrs. Kennedy until after the 1964 election, standing by his vows to watch over the family. He would rise to become an Assistant Director in the Secret Service, supervising all protective forces during his final years before retiring in 1975.
Public Reflections The memoirs of Hill, who shared his experiences and explained how the assassination affected his personal and professional life, cast a human layer on accounts of those dark days. His openness about the emotional toll—he had lost his mother to violence at a young age—was a kind of anecdote to the more frequently cited decorating of the officer’s death, knowing not many people will come to wallpaper the further complications of the post-processing of such trauma in what can be an unforgiving job that many don’t truly understand the context of, leading to the often overlooked struggles with mental health.
The Effect on Security Procedures
Hill’s actions provided invaluable insight into the functioning of the Secret Service, leading to a sweeping overhaul of presidential security protocol after the assassination of JFK. His bravery drew attention to the security gaps that were subsequently included in the protection protocols of the highest levels of officials.
Remembering a Hero
Clint Hill, a former Secret Service agent who became a national hero for jumping onto a car with a mortally wounded President John F. Kennedy to shield him in 1963 after his assassination, has died at 85, his family announced Saturday. That image of Hill in his suit and leaping onto the car is now a lasting representation of selfless devotion and the protective nature of the Secret Service.
FAQ
What was Clint Hill doing during JFK’s assassination? Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent who jumped on President Kennedy’s car to shield him and the First Lady from gunfire during the assassination on Nov. 22, 1963.
What effect did Clint Hill have on presidential security procedures over time? Hill’s role during the assassination prompted a thorough evaluation and improvement of the security measures utilized to safeguard the President of the United States.
Where can I now read more about Clint Hill’s career? Like Clint Hill? Read his memoirs for details of his walk on Bush 41’s History.
Share and Discuss
Join us in sharing this article to honor the legacy of Clint Hill, and stay tuned for a discussion on how Hill’s heroism has impacted the protocols of presidential security today. For more news on this story, including updates and related news, watch this space and check our coverage.
Join us in the comments here or on our social media to discuss Clint Hill’s legacy in national security and public service.
