Clint Hill passes away at the age of 93.
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Clint Hill passes away at the age of 93.
Clint Hill, a US Secret Service agent who jumped into action to protect former US President John F. Kennedy and second lady Jacqueline Kennedy on November 22, 1963, passed away at the age of 93.
Hill’s home announced on Monday that he passed away peacefully at house.
One of the most memorable moments of that dreadful day was Clint Hill’s fast actions in escorting the first couple to the presidential limousine and setting them on fire. He defended Jackie Kennedy, but he still harbored the notion that he could have saved the leader.
Hill was born in Larimore, North Dakota and served in the Secret Service under five US president: Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford. When he was given the position of the first girl’s detail in 1960, he immediately felt dissatisfied. But, that position placed him at the heart of past three years later.
How did Hill save the second woman?
On the day of JFK’s death in Dallas, Hill was on the running table of the vehicles behind the mayor’s vehicle. When he heard the first gun, he reacted quickly, sprinting towards the car. Before he could achieve Kennedy, two more shots struck the president. As seen in Abraham Zapruder’s 26-second picture, Hill climbed onto the moving car, shielding Jacqueline as she reached toward the back of the car. As the parade rushed to Parkland Hospital, he then led her back to her chair and covered both her and the president’s severely injured figure with his body.
At the doctor, Jacqueline was unwilling to let go of her father’s system until Hill removed his coat jacket and used it to protect the president’s horrible head wound. Eventually, he assisted in the planning of a casket and took Jacqueline and the government’s body on their return to Washington.
I exerted every effort that morning.
Hill struggled for years with grief, believing he could have done more. Despite being frequently praised for his courage, he was widely praised for his bravery. In a 1976 interview with CBS ‘ 60 Minutes, he broke down in tears, saying,” If I had reacted just a little bit quicker… I’ll sit with that to my grave”. Later, Journalist Mike Wallace referred to him as” the most stricken and tormented man” he had ever spoken with.
For years, Hill battled depression, flashbacks, and drinking, and was finally forced to retire at 43 according to post-traumatic stress disorder. In 1990, he revisited Dealey Plaza, the page of the death, to challenge his spirits. ” I did all I had that day”, he afterwards said,” but I still had that sense of guilt and duty”.
‘Worldwide symbol of courage‘
After Kennedy was killed, Hill continued to work for the Secret Service, spending a month protecting Jackie Kennedy before being assigned to President Johnson. Before retiring in 1975, he afterwards held positions under Spiro Agnew, the US vice leader.
With his family, journalist Lisa McCubbin Hill, he co-authored four books about his experience: Five Presidents: My Amazing Trip With Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford, Mrs. Kennedy and Me, Five Weeks in November, and My Journeys with Mrs. Kennedy.
In a speech, the US Secret Service honoured his reputation, calling him” a global sign of confidence” and praising his “unwavering passion and outstanding company”.
Hill is survived by his spouse, children, and children. His job spanned some of the most important moments in American history, including the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and Watergate.
Tributes
Monuments poured in from across the country, honouring Hill’s courage and determination. Celebrities and leading leaders walked into X to offer their sympathies and respect. Among them were Donald Trump’s borders emperor Tom Homan, American media character Piers Morgan, White House Correspondents ‘ Association President KellyO’Donnell, and columnist James Rosen, all recognising Hill’s outstanding service.
