Clint Hill, who gained prominence for his daring actions during President Kennedy's assassination in 1963, has passed away at his home in California. His heroism was immortalized in images of the tragic event, but he struggled with guilt over his inability to save the president.
Clint Hill, Iconic Secret Service Agent, Passes Away at 93
Clint Hill, Iconic Secret Service Agent, Passes Away at 93
Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent renowned for his courageous leap onto JFK's limousine, has died at the age of 93.
Clint Hill, an iconic figure in American history, has died at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy marked by heroism and heartache. The former Secret Service agent was known for his brave actions during the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas on November 22, 1963. Assigned to protect Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy, Hill was in a car behind the president's limousine when shots rang out. In a moment of quick instinct, he rushed towards the couple and climbed onto the back of the car amid the chaos, a scene captured in the infamous Zapruder film.
Born in North Dakota and serving in the Army before joining the Secret Service in 1958, Hill's valor earned him an award and propelled him to become the agency's assistant director. Despite his bravery, Hill battled significant guilt for decades over Kennedy's death, believing he could have potentially saved the president’s life. In a 1991 CBS interview with Mike Wallace, Hill expressed regret, wishing he could have reacted faster and taken the fatal shot himself.
The trauma of that day compelled him to retire early in 1975, at just 43 years old. However, through years of reflection and eventual interviews, Hill reconciled with the knowledge that he could not have changed the course of history. In a turn of fate, he met journalist Lisa McCubbin in 2009, and together they penned a bestselling memoir, "Mrs. Kennedy and Me." Their relationship blossomed, culminating in marriage in 2021.
Hill passed away at his home on Friday, with McCubbin by his side. While a cause of death has not been disclosed, Hill's legacy remains enshrined in the annals of American history as a symbol of courage and a reminder of the tragic events that altered the nation's path.
