(FreePressBeacon.com) – America mourns the loss of a true patriot, Clint Hill, a legendary Secret Service agent whose legacy of courage and sacrifice during a critical moment in history will never be forgotten.
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Hill’s actions on November 22, 1963, exemplified the utmost dedication to duty and provided a beacon of steadfastness when our nation needed it most.
Clint Hill, a name etched into the annals of American history, passed away at the age of 93 in California.
Hill’s heroics are most vividly remembered for his swift and courageous act during the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas.
As the shots echoed in Dealey Plaza, Hill leaped onto the presidential limousine, embodying the bravery and quick thinking that defined his career.
Hill’s devotion to his presidential charges saw him through the administrations of five U.S. presidents, from Eisenhower to Ford.
Though lauded for his bravery, accolades could not shield him from the profound guilt he harbored over not being able to save President Kennedy.
Hill eventually accepted the events but never completely forgave himself, a sentiment echoed in numerous interviews, including a notable one with “60 Minutes” where he began his journey to healing.
In the aftermath of tragedy, Hill rose to the position of director of protective operations for the Secret Service and was honored with the highest civilian honor by the U.S. Treasury Department.
Nevertheless, the emotional toll of the assassination took its toll, prompting his retirement in 1975, well ahead of schedule, due to symptoms now recognized as PTSD.
“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 has lost a legendary native son,” said North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong, cited by Valley News Live.
Hill’s impact extended beyond his protective duties.
He co-authored books with his wife, including the memoir “Mrs. Kennedy and Me,” allowing the public a glimpse into the extraordinary world he navigated with distinction and honor.
Despite his struggles, Hill’s commitment to faithfully serve and protect was unwavering, earning him the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, North Dakota’s highest civilian honor, in 2018.
Doug Burgum, then-Governor of North Dakota, praised Agent Hill for his unwavering service and called him an ambassador for his home state.
The Secret Service acknowledged Hill’s unyielding commitment to duty and expressed profound sorrow at losing a respected colleague.
With a private funeral held in Washington, D.C., Clint Hill’s remarkable legacy serves as a testament to the fact that the backbone of America’s security often rests on selfless individuals willing to put everything on the line.
Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent who leaped onto the back of President John F. Kennedy's limousine after the president was shot, then was forced to retire early because he remained haunted by memories of the assassination, died Friday. https://t.co/6RbeBeSMm7
— CBS Philadelphia (@CBSPhiladelphia) February 24, 2025
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