Clint Hill, the former Secret Service agent renowned for his courageous actions during the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, has died at the age of 93. Hill passed away in his sleep at a nursing home in the Denver area, as confirmed by his family on February 24, 2025. He is perhaps best remembered for his response during the tragic events of November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, where he leaped onto the back of the presidential limousine in an attempt to shield Kennedy from the gunfire of the assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald.
In a statement, Hill’s family said, “He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who lived his life to the fullest. His legacy will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who knew him.” Hill was born on January 20, 1932, in Washburn, North Dakota. He served in the U.S. Army before joining the Secret Service in 1958.
During his remarkable career, Hill provided protection for several U.S. presidents, but he is most widely associated with President Kennedy. Following the assassination, Hill’s bravery was acknowledged, and he became a prominent figure in historical discussions surrounding that fraught period in American history. He authored several books about Kennedy and his own experiences, enabling the public to gain deeper insight into the complexities of security during the turbulent times of the 1960s. Hill often reflected on that fateful day, stating, “It was all over in just a few seconds, yet it felt like a lifetime. The sounds, the chaos, and the despair are memories I carry with me every day.”
Aside from his service during JFK’s presidency, Hill remained active in the public sphere, giving interviews and participating in events commemorating Kennedy’s legacy. Friends and colleagues described him as humble despite being at the center of one of history’s most significant events. Tributes have poured in from various corners of the political world, with many recalling his bravery and service. Former President Bill Clinton expressed his condolences, saying, “Clint Hill embodied the ideals of service and bravery, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for protecting our nation’s leaders during their times of need.”
