Clint Hill, Secret Service Agent Who Tried to Shield JFK During Assassination, Dies at 93

Clint Hill, Secret Service Agent Who Tried to Shield JFK During Assassination, Dies at 93

Clint Hill, the U.S. Secret Service agent who heroically attempted to protect Jacqueline Kennedy during the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas on November 22, 1963, has passed away at the age of 93. His family confirmed on Monday that he died peacefully at home.

Hill's quick response in the face of tragedy, rushing to the presidential limousine to shield the first couple, became one of the most poignant moments of that day. Although he successfully protected Jacqueline Kennedy, Hill struggled with the guilt of not being able to save the president, a burden that stayed with him throughout his life.

Born in Larimore, North Dakota, Hill served under five U.S. presidents: Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford. Initially disappointed when assigned to the first lady’s detail in 1960, he would later find himself in the midst of history.

A Moment of Courage in Crisis

On the fateful day in Dallas, Hill was stationed on the running board of the car behind the president’s limousine. Upon hearing the first gunshot, he immediately ran toward the vehicle. Before reaching Kennedy, two more shots rang out. As captured in the famous Abraham Zapruder film, Hill climbed onto the moving car, shielding Jacqueline as she leaned toward the back of the vehicle. He then guided her back to her seat and covered both her and the mortally wounded president with his own body as the motorcade raced toward Parkland Hospital.

At the hospital, Jacqueline refused to let go of her husband’s body until Hill draped his suit jacket over the president's head wound. He later helped prepare the casket and accompanied Jacqueline and the president's body aboard Air Force One back to Washington.

A Life of Sacrifice and Struggle

Though widely hailed for his bravery, Hill battled with feelings of guilt, believing he could have done more. In a 1976 interview with CBS’ 60 Minutes, he tearfully admitted, “If I had reacted just a little bit quicker… I'll live with that to my grave.” Mike Wallace, who interviewed Hill, described him as “the most stricken and tormented man” he had ever met.

For years, Hill wrestled with depression, nightmares, and alcoholism, ultimately retiring from the Secret Service at 43 due to post-traumatic stress disorder. In 1990, Hill revisited Dealey Plaza, seeking closure. Reflecting on that day, he said, “I did everything I could that day,” but still felt burdened by guilt.

A Legacy of Service and Courage

Hill continued to serve the Secret Service after the assassination, providing protection to Jacqueline Kennedy for another year before moving on to work with President Lyndon Johnson. He also served under Vice President Spiro Agnew before retiring in 1975.

Along with his wife, journalist Lisa McCubbin Hill, he co-authored four books about his experiences, including Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford, Mrs. Kennedy and Me, Five Days in November, and My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy.

The U.S. Secret Service honored his legacy, calling Hill “a worldwide symbol of courage” and praising his “unwavering dedication and exceptional service.”

Hill is survived by his wife, sons, and grandchildren. Throughout his career, he witnessed some of the most defining moments in American history, including the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and Watergate.

Tributes and Condolences

Tributes honoring Hill’s courage and dedication have poured in from across the nation. Public figures and celebrities, including Donald Trump's border czar Tom Homan, British media personality Piers Morgan, White House Correspondents' Association President Kelly O'Donnell, and journalist James Rosen, all expressed their respect for Hill’s remarkable service.

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