Clint Hill passes away at 93 after a lifetime of service

In the United States, Clint Hill, a former Secret Service agent, passed away at the age of 93. His death was reported on February 25, 2025, and took place at his home in Belvedere, California. Hill gained national recognition for his brave actions on November 22, 1963, when he leaped onto the trunk of President John F. Kennedy's limousine after the president was shot during a motorcade in Dallas, Texas. Although he was eventually commended for his actions that day, Hill battled with feelings of guilt for years, believing he could have reacted faster to save Kennedy's life before the president succumbed to his injuries at Parkland Memorial Hospital that same day. Clint Hill was born in 1932 in Washburn, North Dakota, and went on to serve in the Army before joining the Secret Service in 1958. This agency often called him to protect some of the most prominent figures in American history, including the Kennedys, as he became a member of the first lady Jacqueline Kennedy's detail. Hill's harrowing experience during the assassination shaped his life profoundly, leading to early retirement at age 43 due to the psychological burden he carried from that tragic day. He spent decades grappling with trauma before finding some peace through public speaking and sharing his story, believing it was time to help educate others about the importance of protection and the consequences of violence. During his life, Hill co-authored several books detailing his experiences in the Secret Service, including titles like "Five Days in November" and "Mrs. Kennedy and Me." In interviews, Hill was known to express his heartache about the events in Dallas, often stating that he would have willingly sacrificed his own life to save Kennedy. His genuine reflections during interviews, especially with Mike Wallace in 1975 on CBS's "60 Minutes,” offered viewers a glimpse into the heavy emotional toll that day took on him. Eventually, Hill acknowledged that he had begun to heal and move on, crediting the support of family and friends, including his wife, Lisa McCubbin Hill, for helping him find solace in his later years. Clint Hill's legacy is marked by bravery, dedication, and service to five U.S. presidents. His contributions were recognized when he was awarded the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the highest civilian honor in North Dakota. Following his death, a private funeral service is planned in Washington, D.C., as tributes pour in from around the country, commemorating a man who witnessed a crucial moment in American history and remained steadfast in his commitment to serving the national interests through his work with the Secret Service.