Clint Hill, the man in the iconic photo of a Secret Service agent jumping onto the back of the presidential limousine during the shooting, reflects on the Kennedy assassination and feelings of failure. The podcast discusses the warm welcome President Kennedy received in Dallas, the futile attempt to protect him, and the struggle of delivering the devastating news. It also explores the agent's overwhelming guilt and self-blame despite being praised as a hero.
Clint Hill, a Secret Service agent, witnessed President Kennedy's assassination and experienced deep guilt and depression afterwards, feeling that he could have prevented it.
President Kennedy had a unique and personal relationship with Secret Service agents, fostering deep respect and admiration, which intensified the agents' sense of loss when the president was assassinated.
Deep dives
Clint Hill's Experience on November 22, 1963
Clint Hill, a Secret Service agent, recounts his experience on the day of President John F. Kennedy's assassination. As part of Kennedy's security detail, Hill was in the car behind the president's limousine when the shots were fired. He witnessed the president getting shot and immediately tried to protect him and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Despite his heroic efforts, Kennedy succumbed to his injuries. Hill experienced profound guilt and depression after the event, feeling that he could have reacted faster to prevent the assassination. He shares the emotional and lasting impact that this six-second period in Dallas has had on his life.
President Kennedy's Connection with Secret Service Agents
Clint Hill reflects on President Kennedy's unique relationship with Secret Service agents. Unlike previous presidents, Kennedy made an effort to know and remember the agents' names, as well as details about their personal lives. This personal connection fostered great respect and admiration from the agents. Hill and his colleagues felt a deep sense of loss when Kennedy was assassinated because of their close bond with him.
Clint Hill's Guilt and Legacy
Even though Clint Hill's actions on November 22, 1963, were considered heroic, he carries a heavy burden of guilt for not being able to save President Kennedy. While many view him as a hero, Hill struggles with the notion and finds little solace in it. Over the years, his experience has influenced others to join the Secret Service, inspired by his actions that day. The assassination and its aftermath continue to haunt Hill, as he considers that six-second period a movie that constantly plays in his mind.
Today marks 60 years since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. There are many photos from that day in 1963, but one image in particular caught people’s attention, spreading in newspapers across the country: a photo of a Secret Service agent jumping onto the back of the presidential limousine during the shooting. Today on the podcast, the story of the man in that photo: Clint Hill.
Note: This episode contains a description of violence.
Tell a friend or share your thoughts about this story on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook @RadioDiaries.
Radiotopia’s Fall Fundraiser is here! Donate today to support independent creators like us. Thank you! https://on.prx.org/3Si7UXr