Clint Hill, the former US Secret Service agent who famously leapt onto President John F. Kennedy’s limousine to shield him from assassin Lee Harvey Oswald's bullets, has died at the age of 93. The news of his passing was confirmed by the Secret Service, which hailed Hill’s unwavering dedication and exemplary service to the Kennedy family and four other presidents. He died peacefully at his home in Belvedere, California on February 21, 2025, according to his publisher.
On November 22, 1963, Hill, part of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s detail, was positioned just behind the presidential motorcade when the shots rang out. The harrowing moment has been captured as he scrambled across the back of the car attempting to protect both the president and the First Lady. Despite his swift reaction, Kennedy was fatally wounded, and Hill later recounted the tragedy on several occasions, expressing regret over his perceived inability to prevent the assassination.
Reflecting on his gallant efforts during the assassination, Hill told 60 Minutes, “If I had reacted just a little bit quicker, I’ll live with [that] to my grave.” His actions on the tragic day became immortalized through footage taken by Abraham Zapruder, capturing the moment Hill jumped onto the trunk of the moving limousine and attempted to assist Jacqueline Kennedy, who had crawled toward the back of the car.
After the chaotic ride to Parkland Memorial Hospital, where Kennedy was pronounced dead, Hill's life would never be the same. His consistent battles with guilt and depression, stemming from the traumatic events of the day, drastically impacted his personal life. He told ITV News back in 2013, “I was reliving… trying to figure out what I could have done differently… nothing ever gave me satisfaction,” indicating the life-long scars the assassination had left on his mental health.
Hill’s tumultuous experiences on the day of the assassination did not stop him from continuing his service. He was promoted and eventually became the head of the White House protective detail, as well as serving as assistant director of the Secret Service. His career highlights also included protecting President Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford.
Beyond his government service, Hill transitioned to authorship, chronicling his storied career and experiences through several published works. His books, including Five Days in November and Five Presidents, offered readers insights not only about the Kennedy era but also the lasting impact of those events on his life. Hill described the assassination as “seared” in his memory, illustrating the intensity and weight of his involvement.
Born and raised in North Dakota, Hill originally served in the US Army before joining the Secret Service, rapidly climbing the ranks after his initial assignment had him as part of the protective detail for Dwight D. Eisenhower. Although assigned to secure the president's wife, Hill later regarded this as demotion—his heroic actions would turn him instantly from under-recognized protector to remembered icon.
The sense of guilt followed him for much of his life. A tearful Hill, discussing the event with Mike Wallace on CBS’ 60 Minutes decades later—said, “If I had reacted just five-tenths of a second faster, maybe things would have turned out differently.” He recounted how he wished he could have taken the bullet intended for Kennedy, saying he would have welcomed the opportunity to save the president’s life.
Decades later, Hill’s reflections showcase the heavy burden of responsibility weighing on his shoulders. Speaking to the BBC about earlier years, he explained how he turned to alcohol to cope with the emotional pain and regret. “I was trying to numb the pain,” he disclosed, underscoring his attempts to heal from something far heavier than most could bear.
Despite his personal struggles, Hill’s efforts did not go unnoticed. Over the years, he received multiple awards for his bravery, which includes being recognized for his actions during the assassination. Yet, the emotional toll remained, with Hill admitting, “I’ll still always have [the sense] of responsibility…until I’m no longer here.”
Clint Hill may have passed, but his legacy as the agent who bravely put himself between the president and danger—embodies the very essence of heroism. His indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit of duty established Hill as one of the most revered figures within the Secret Service and left onlookers with poignant memories of the fateful day.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa McCubbin, with whom he authored several books, and they shared moments of passion and admiration during 15 years together.
The impact of Hill's actions on November 22, 1963, not only recorded him as part of history but cemented his role as symbolizing duty and sacrifice, enduring understandings we carry about vigilance, honor, and the costs of tragedy.