Clint Hill, the former Secret Service agent who shielded first lady Jacqueline Kennedy from gunfire during the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, has died. He was 93 years old.
Hill passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Lisa McCubbin Hill, by his side, according to a statement released by the Secret Service. Born on January 4, 1932, in Larimore, North Dakota, Hill dedicated much of his career to the protection of five different presidents, spanning from Dwight Eisenhower to Gerald Ford.
On November 22, 1963, Hill was part of the presidential motorcade traveling through Dealey Plaza in Dallas when the shots rang out. It was at this pivotal moment he leapt onto the back of the presidential limousine, desperately trying to protect both Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy, who was present with him. Hill's remarkable act of bravery was captured on film by Abraham Zapruder, making it one of the most haunting visuals of the assassination. This wasn't just any ordinary day; it was one of the darkest moments in American history.
The Secret Service acknowledged Hill's bravery, stating, "Clint's career exemplified the highest ideas of public service. We mourn the loss of a respected colleague and dear friend whose contributions to the agency and the nation will forever be remembered." Lew Merletti, the former director of the Secret Service, emphasized, "Clint Hill was more than a hero — he was a man of… unwavering integrity." His colleagues and the nation recognized the depths of his commitment.
After years of loyal service, Hill retired from the Secret Service in 1975. His retirement was not without struggles; he faced haunting memories of the assassination, compounded by symptoms we now recognize as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Hill admitted publicly on CBS’s 60 Minutes, “If I had reacted just a little bit quicker... And I could have, I guess.” This reflection on his response during the assassination exposed the burden of guilt he bore. He constantly wrestled with the notion of having failed to save the president, stating, “I’ll live with [the guilt] to my grave.”
Despite the heavy emotional toll, Hill’s spirit eventually began to heal. Over the years, he not only faced his trauma but also shared his story through several co-authored books with his wife, including his memoir “Mrs. Kennedy and Me.” He expressed how sharing his experiences assisted his recovery during one poignant moment on CNN’s Larry King Live, crediting his initial interview with Mike Wallace as the catalyst for his healing. "I have to thank Mike for... bring[ing] the emotions out where they surfaced." Hill's openness about his experience reinforced the idea of acknowledging mental health struggles, especially for those who have endured traumatic events.
Throughout his later years, Hill received multiple honors, including the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider award, the highest civilian honor from the state of North Dakota. He was as relatable as he was heroic, often reflecting on his time with the first family and the human connections he made along the way. His life also had its share of challenges; after retiring, he struggled with depression, drinking, and isolation. Still, he managed to emerge, help others, and maintain relationships with the people who mattered most.
Clint Hill’s legacy transcends the tragic day when shots rang out—his life serves as both tribute to the bravery of those who protect national leaders and as a reminder of the psychological toll such responsibilities can take on individuals. With his passing, the nation remembers the quiet heroism of this dedicated man, who not only defended the Kennedy family but also became (in his own right) part of the storied history surrounding their legacy.
Hill's widow, Lisa, who he married in 2021, remarked, “We had the once-in-a-lifetime love everyone hopes for. We were soulmates.” His deep emotional ties to the first family still resonate through the narratives shared of his experiences. A private funeral service is to be held in Washington, D.C., with details forthcoming as the nation reflects on the life of Clint Hill.