Clint Hill, the U.S. Secret Service agent who became globally recognized for his courage on the day of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, has passed away at the age of 93. Hill died peacefully at his home on Friday, as confirmed by his publicist.
Born on January 20, 1932, in Larimore, North Dakota, Hill served as part of the Secret Service from 1958 to 1975, protecting several presidents, including Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford. He is most famously known for leaping onto the back of Kennedy's limousine during the assassination attempt on November 22, 1963, as it was ambushed by gunfire.
At the time of the shooting, Hill was assigned to protect First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. After the first shot rang out, he was riding on the car behind the presidential limousine. Hill immediately rushed forward, determined to shield the president and his wife from the onslaught of bullets. His swift reaction was captured on the notorious Zapruder film, which provides some of the most significant footage of the tragic event.
“Clint Hill embodied the qualities of courage, service and sacrifice. His loyalty to his country and his devotion to his solemn duty to protect the president continues to inspire us to this day,” North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong stated following Hill's death, complimenting him as “a legendary native son” of North Dakota. Hill’s actions on the day of the assassination not only saved the First Lady from injury but earned him accolades and commendations from the Secret Service. Yet, he was left with deep guilt over his perceived failure to protect Kennedy, which haunted him for decades.
For much of his life, Hill grappled with feelings of guilt and responsibility, stating, “If I had reacted just a little bit quicker ... I'll live with [this] to my grave.” His emotional burden led him to experience post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and alcoholism.
After retiring from the Secret Service at age 43, Hill sought to find reconciliation with his past. He began to speak openly about his experiences, including during interviews on programs like CBS's 60 Minutes. He once shared, “Had I turned in a different direction, I'd have made it. It's my fault.”
Hill began to share his story through writing, co-authoring several books, including the best-selling memoir, Mrs. Kennedy and Me, which detailed his relationship and experiences with Jacqueline Kennedy. His other works include Five Days in November, Five Presidents, and My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy. Hill later married journalist Lisa McCubbin, who collaborated with him on these publications. The couple married in 2021, demonstrating Hill’s resilience and ability to forge new connections and happiness later in life.
Throughout his story, Hill’s connection to North Dakota remained strong. He often described the feeling of home he found there, even after having traveled the globe and met various leaders and dignitaries. “I had been around the world multiple times but nowhere did I feel more at home than on a farm in North Dakota,” he once reflected.
Clint Hill was awarded the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, North Dakota’s highest civilian honor, recognizing his lifetime achievements and service. During the ceremony, he encouraged individuals who have experienced trauma to seek help and to communicate their struggles, demonstrating his commitment to mental health awareness.
From the moment he jumped onto the back of the limousine to the day of his passing, Hill remained significantly influential—not only as the Secret Service agent who witnessed one of America's most harrowing moments but as a symbol of resilience and accountability amid personal turmoil.
Hill’s heroic actions and the emotional scars he carried remind us of the sacrifices made by those who serve. He famously climbed aboard the limousine after hearing the shots and directed Jacqueline Kennedy back to her seat before shielding her with his own body. His actions were lauded, yet they were accompanied by deep and lasting regret as he replayed the day’s events repeatedly in his mind. He related his experience during the assassination to the physical and emotional weight he carried, asserting the formative impact such traumatic acts had on him.
Following the assassination, Hill found himself closely involved with the Kennedy family, providing support and remaining with Mrs. Kennedy throughout the funeral days. Their bond deepened as he assisted with sensitive tasks, including arranging for caskets and attending to her needs. “I did everything I could,” he later reflected, offering insights on the complexity of his duties during those heartbreaking moments.
To this day, the autobiography of Clint Hill stands as both memoir and testimony—a reminder of the frailty of life, the dedication of service, and the indelible scars left on those who bear witness to history. Hill leaves behind memories not just of his role on one of history's darkest days but of his tireless advocacy for mental health, transforming his pain and experience of tragedy, loss, and guilt, to educate and inspire others.
A private funeral service will be held, and as tributes flow from around the country, Clint Hill’s legacy as both protector and survivor will continue to resonate. America has lost not just a witness to history but a true icon of dedication and service.