Secret Service Agent Vividly Recalls President Kennedy's Assassination | Clint Hill 

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Other interviewers take note. This is how it's done. Ask relevant, expandable questions in a thoughtful way and then let the interviewee tell the story with no interruptions.

This guy was in the front row of history and acted with such honor and integrity. Thank you, Sir.

We don't have reporters like THAT anymore. The questions were purposeful but respectful.

Jackie was also still grieving over losing a baby just 3 months before her husband was assassinated. The strength and class of this incredible lady is just breathtaking.

An excellent interview. The interviewer knew exactly what to do, ask a question and let Mr. Hill give his response without interrupting him.

When mrs Kennedy said l, “oh my god what have they done Jack”. Gave me chills and my heart sank. She really loved him, just as it seemed the entire world did. I’m envious of a time where we all could love a president regardless of they are democratic or republican. we are supposed to be one team. God bless you sir, you did your county proud.

What an amazing fist hand account of history. The man had real dignity in his recollection of events. No frills. No vanity. Profound sadness.

This guy has a memory as sharp as anyone i ever saw. The description is so vivid and they way he describes it makes you almost feel like you were there.

This is the LIVING HISTORY than can NEVER EVER be replaced. Just imagine actually being in the thick of the chaos and having the composure to still do your job. Having to re-live this memory your entire adult life afterwards. This mans 1st person account is absolutely amazing. Thank you Clint for your service and willingness to share this horrible memory. May GOD bless you sir!!!

Can't imagine the pain Jackie went through losing her husband that horrific way, publicly and documented! How she was trying to pick of the pieces of his skull and was soaked in his blood is traumatic. Yet, she asked the welfare of the bodyguards demonstrates she had a genuine heart.

This is extremely shattering to listen to. Our President Kennedy suffered such a horrific death. All that I keep thinking about is how First Lady Kennedy didn’t fear for her life, but tried to grab matter if the trunk, thinking he could be saved. Obviously she knew he was gone, but how could anyone think rationally at that moment. I still can’t comprehend how she remained so protective of her Jack, making sure he was covered. She lived the rest of her life with class, kindness and was always a true lady. How did she get through such a life altering trauma. As for Clint, how did he get through this unbelievable experience. He is able to recall every detail of that moment, and is able to share with us what happened. These are two extraordinarily strong human beings. President Kennedy was a legendary, beloved President and man. He will forever be remembered and loved. He deserved to live on … but, he is with his son and I pray he is peacefully in Heaven, knowing he is still a part of us. 🇺🇸

You will never be forgotten for your heroic acts, sir. salute you

All of these decades have gone by, and Mr. Hill has never gotten over what transpired on that horrific day in Dallas. He respected the president and Mrs. Kennedy very much. May God bless him.

The fact that Jackie wanted to check on Clint and make sure he was doing fine after she was going through that herself losing her husband in a very traumatic scene.

Sending you all my love from England to the USA R.I.P JFK xxxx

I remember exactly where I was, what I was wearing and what I was doing. I was 13 years old. I was not politicly minded. But the fact that a president had been murdered was incomprehensible. It was devastating. Then I was watching TV when they were moving Oswald. I saw Jack Ruby shoot him. I was in shock. I'd never seen anything like that. Listening to this video brought tears to my eyes. No matter who you are politically, President Kennedy was an amazing leader. He could've done great things. That's what someone was afraid of.

The fact that she still protected him after his death….I havent stopped crying

I was 15 when President Kennedy was assassinated. Now 73 and my heart still hurts. Sometimes I can't watch these documentaries because of the sadness, but thank you for posting this one. I have the greatest respect for Clint Hill.

You can tell how upset and traumatized he is, all these years later... but such class and integrity.

These types of interviews are amazing. A first hand account of what happened from someone who was in the thick of it. Learning about America history is something we’re all curious about and I’m glad I came across this video. Rest in peace President Kennedy

I am glad that this interview was done for future generations.

Well done interview. I have followed poor Clint for many years. I say poor because he has put up with so much grief, so many Monday morning QBs, and worse. It being the 1960s, he and his SS colleagues received zero medical or psychiatric support for literally decades. As he has described it, “Self medicating in his basement.” I believe that finally writing his books in 2012-2014 was great therapy for him, and experiencing the reaction of Gen X, Millennials, and now Gen Y to the heroic work he did and the honorable way he has conducted himself - I truly hope it has helped him more fully process his experiences. There are few like him. He will be remembered in the story of America as a great man. Thank you Clint Hill.

This man has so much integrity, professionalism, and valor. So well spoken. A true Hero! Thank you for your dedicated service Sir.

I saw Clint Hill in another interview about the assassination and he was very emotional and tearing up while describing the moment he died. Even after all these years the horror of that event still haunts him.

I'm surprised that Clint Hill can talk so honestly about his terrible experiences. Witnessing such a horrible event must have traumatized him for the rest of his life. I have nothing but the highest respect for him.

This is a great man. My God, I'd never heard the story of Jackie not wanting to let Jack go until Mr. Hill had covered his head. That is incredibly moving.

Thank you Sir for your service and loyalty to the President and First Lady.

That secret serviceman showed such, integrity, courage ,and honor. Such a hero.

In 1963, I was a high school senior when we heard the news. Watching this in 2021, brings it all back. For this man, it never went away. Thank you for all you did and have done since.

I’ve never heard his testimony. So terrible and sad. I appreciate Mr. Hill’s insight and service. I can’t imagine Jackie’s PTSD from this event.

Mr. Hill’s book, ‘Mrs. Kennedy and Me’ is absolutely amazing. What an incredible story.

Jackie was a wonderful woman who deserved way better than what she was dealt in life. God rest their souls

You can see the stress this interview is putting on this gentleman...it still hurts him to speak of it, all these years later. Respect.

My heart really goes out to Mr. Hill. Living with this horrible tragic memory all these years. God Bless you.

I was six years old in the first grade of a Catholic school. Nuns were our only teachers. I'll never forget that day. We were all too young to realize the full gravity of what happened. All I knew was that all the nuns were crying, which made all the kids cry. They just sent us home, opened the doors, and sent us home. My brother was three years older and walked from his school to mine because he knew I would be walking home alone. When we got home, everything was chaotic. People were either quiet, stoic, eyes open but seemingly not seeing, or they were weeping. Everyone loved JFK and loved Jackie and the children. People were devastated. Utterly, devastated. It was such a terrible time. The entire country mourned. One moment, there was boundless hope, the next, it was all gone.

This is the best and to my knowledge the most informant recollection of an incident, he is so straight with his narrative and also blunt, but believable in the story he is telling. God bless you Sir. ❤️🇬🇧

It was a long time before Mr. Hill could even talk about this. Not long after the assassination he walked into the ocean but was pulled out by another agent. He finally got around to talking about it which was therapeutic for him. He was blaming himself even though there was really nothing he or anyone could do given the circumstances. I am grateful he has known for a long time that he is admired for his courage that day, putting himself in the line of fire.

I was in the 4th grade. Someone came in and whispered what happened to my teacher, Mrs Anderson. Her mouth flew wide open and then she burst into tears. Everyone was so quiet on the bus ride home. I had lost my father when I was 4 and he was 40. He was built like the president and had sandy colored curly hair. I can’t think about president Kennedy without thinking of my dad. It helped me comprehend the depth of my own loss since no one even told me he had died. I guess no one thought I would notice as a four year old and I had to figure it out on my own, but that assassination caused all my sorrow to bubble up especially after losing an older brother at 5. He was 15. So I am drawn to this story and still feel gutted over it.

I was in 3rd grade at the time. I remember waiting in line outside at night with my parents to see the casket in the Rotunda. I remember walking around the casket and seeing the military guards standing by it. Very quiet and solemn. We lived in Arlington. We did attend the funeral procession. I have been to President Kennedy's grave several times. many years ago. Such tragic sadness.Thank you for posting this and thank you Agent Hill.

I wasn't even born when this great man was killed, yet everytime i hear his story, it affects my heart. The injustice of it all and how much of a wonderful human being he was. God is going to bring justice to each and everyone involved in his death. Im pretty sure many are already dead and facing their punishment.

Yesterday was the 58th anniversary of this tragedy and I remember it very well. The country was in total shock and it was so hard to believe this had actually occurred and President Kennedy was dead. We knew it was true and yet it was very difficult to accept. We asked ourselves, how could this have happened? The entire nation was glued to their TV sets the whole weekend and into Monday. We saw Ruby killing Oswald on Sunday and the president’s funeral the following day. I was nineteen and will never forgot those four days in November of 1963.

The first time I saw my dad cry was when this happened. A day my child self saw her hero cry. It’s always made me love him more.

Thank you, Mr. Hill, for all you did and for all you tried to do. And thank you for sharing the story from your view point.

I live in the Dallas area and the city has changed dramatically since my childhood in the 70s. When you go to Dealey Plaza today it is still like it was in the 60s, a time capsule.

You can tell it’s a traumatic experience because Agent Hill immediately starts recounting the story in vivid detail. The interviewer didn’t even need to ask and I’m glad he didn’t. My mother saw my dad get a heart attack while they were walking in a store one day. She had to cushion his fall and provide early CPR before help arrived. When people ask her how it all happened she always starts retelling her story in the same way front to back. Every detail is imprinted on her in the same way mr. Hill is telling his story. I find it kind of chilling to see that our minds do not let go of traumatic experiences. It gets stored inside our brains and we just have to live with that mental baggage from that point onwards. I have great respect for people who are able to move on from that trauma. You can see it still affects mr. Hill to this day, I can’t imagine the guilt or second guesses he might have had about possibly preventing the shooting. I wish him well!

The fact that Jacqueline Kennedy, with her murdered husband by her side, was concerned about Agent Hill, shows what a marvelous woman She Was!!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

What an interview. The first hand account. No doubt the best interview I have heard in terms of content, and the first hand account.

This man will go to his grave having been FOREVER affected by a few brief moments in 1963. A few brief moments that most of us can never fathom, but to Clint Hill, these were brief moments that profoundly affected his life...moments he will never be able to forget. God bless our fallen President, and, God bless those who bravely performed their duties on that fateful day, like Mr. Hill.

Still feels like yesterday. Over the decades - just the mention of President Kennedy’s name takes me right back to sitting in my desk in elementary school and all of us being informed of his assassination. That feeling of horror and sadness has never left.

I was privileged to meet Agent Hill at a speech he gave on the 50th anniversary in 2013. It was in the ballroom where the President spoke on the morning of Nov 22, 1963 in Fort Worth. His presentation was excellent and very moving, he was in the ballroom for the first time in 50 years. Agent Hill did a book signing and I was at the tail end of the line and had the opportunity to speak briefly with him. You could hear the emotion in his voice 50 years later.

Thank you for your service to your country and to your President, Mr. Hill. I'm sorry that you had to have witnessed that.

I remember this day like yesterday! Even though I was only just 3. My mom and grandma were taking me to the pediatrician for my check up, the news of his aspiration came on the radio, mom pulled over in the car, and they both were sobbing uncontrollable! I really did to understand and what had happened

My wife and I were privileged to hear Mr. Hill talk at the annual Scandinavian celebration held yearly in Minot, North Dakota 6 or seven years ago. Clint was a farm boy from rural North Dakota, so it was a homecoming of sorts for him to be able to give this speech. The speech he gave was somber, yet riveting as was almost word for word to this interview. He said that he is haunted to this day with the events, and the fact all of the agents felt so helpless that were unable to help save the President. The decision to not use the bubble was one that the agents had no control over, among other safety concerns he notes in this interview, yet he still feels he should have been able to do better. After his speech my wife and I were able to talk directly to Clint as he was selling his books and autographing them for people. You can see in his eyes the force of this, along with fact it happened on his watch was and is haunting him to this day. When were were leaving, I turned to his and shook his hand and said to him “ There are not many men in this country that would be able to live with what you have been forced to live through all these years. My Wife and I and our Country thank you for your service as you are a great man…..”. Clint had tears in his eyes that were genuine, and he simply said “ Thank You So Much”……..

Agent Hill, you exemplify what a Secret Service Agent should be. You’re a man of honor and courage. More men should be like you. It’s very sad you’ve lived with this your entire life. Let your heart heal, you did your best.🇺🇸Thank your for your service to our country.🇺🇸

I was 5 yrs old. I remember sitting in front of the TV with my mom watching the funeral. I remember the feeling of sadness though I didn't understand fully the significance of what happened. 😢

Hearing Jackie's concern for the Agents is amazing. What humility and compassion.

I was 10 and I remember everything very vividly like it happened yesterday. I was in school and the teacher was crying in the front of the room and she said over and over, "a terrible thing has happened, a terrible thing has happened, a terrible thing has happened". She kept saying it again and again and could hardly speak. We all asked her, what happened? She never said what had happened so we didn't know at that point. The next thing you know, somebody (probably the school principal) came over the the loud speaker and said that class was being dismissed. I walked out of the classroom and was walking to my locker to get my coat and the first thing I heard was (and I can still hear this) from a couple of students, "Kennedy is dead. He was shot". I walked home and walked into my home. My Mom was in the kitchen and had been crying. I asked her if it was true and she said, yes. We were glued to the TV through Monday. I saw and remember Air Force One land at Andrews in the dark and them putting the casket in the hearse. I remember Johnson's comments. I saw Oswald shot on live TV. Everything was in black and white in those days. That's all we had. I remember the funeral procession and the drums and the riderless horse. All of that. What a weekend. It was history. A real memorable, tragic time that I will never forget.. Everyone we came in contact with, neighbors, relatives, etc. were really personally affected and everyone was upset. I recall people's comments and reactions through that weekend. Can't believe it's been 58 years. I saved all of the newspapers and I still have them. Where has the time gone?

I’m so so sorry that this dedicated man had to endure this tragedy but I am happy that he was there to care for Mrs. Kennedy, and he did. A good man, Agent Hill.

Thank you Mr. Clint Hill for your service and dedication to protecting them

I am English and I was 23 when this happened and the lady I worked with had a friend in a news paper office and he called us to tell us this tragic news as it was breaking …I will never forget this….And to think it was his own people that did it…A loss to the world….and I am sure Oswald did. Not kill the President…..

The United States has never recovered from President Kennedy’s assassination. I have never gotten over the horror of that day.

Excellent interview. So sad I couldn't even imagine how he felt. RIP President Kennedy

This man tells it like it was. No crackpot suppositions or speculations. Absolute integrity.😮

You can tell how many times Clint has re-lived this moment over the years. Whether it be to the media or privately. Still crazy to think how close he was to shielding JFK and possibly saving him. However, Agent Hill could've done nothing different that day and I hope by now he's realized this. As soon as he heard the noise he raced towards the President and Jackie putting himself in harm's way. Exactly what they are trained to do. If the Secret Service bears any blame for that day, 0% of it is on Clint Hill.

To be a part of this horrible event in US history...bless his heart. I hope he's found peace with what he witnessed that day.

My heart goes out to Jackie, who likely spent a very lonely night, that night in novermber, 1963. What gives me comfort, for her, is that she had her children, and could turn to them, for her center of well-being, and re-build it all from there. Whatta lady.

Much respect to this gentleman. LOVE FROM IRELAND

That honest devoted love Jacqueline Kennedy witnessed in these moments just choked me up. God bless Jacqueline Kennedy.

Born and raised in Dallas. It’s still a very serious, special, sad place in Dealey Plaza. I really don’t like saying a word when I’m driving through or visiting. I think of what Mrs. Kennedy and this absolute example of an American patriot had to live with after this tragedy. I was born 30 years after and this day lays heavy on me as if I was there. Thank you for sharing. Incredible interview.

As a 7th grader, I lived through this with my parents. We camped out in front of our small black and white TV for four days, taking short breaks to grab a sandwich and hit the head. I recall walking home from my junior high school on empty streets. No people, no cars, nothing, like a scene from an Alfred Hitchcock movie without the birds. President Kennedy’s assassination still bothers me so much I cannot watch this. “Don’t let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment, that was known as Camelot.’ JFK, gone too soon, RIP. ✝️

Thank you Sir for accompanying our Beloved President & First Lady. Thank you for your Service

God bless you Clint. We never forget how much you cared and how much you tried.

I think the whole world loved him. As a young boy of 10 I was part of the crowd that lined up the streets of Karachi, Pakistan, when Mrs. Kennedy visited the city. JFK was taking America to greatness, and he was thinking of the world also when he said "Peace and dignity for all mankind". America changed after his death. Fighting so many wars and wreaking destruction in so many parts of the world.

The autopsy findings are absolutely ridiculous. There was little left of his head.

To All of You, Who Have Served: Thank You. As a country, we ask you to put life, limb and peace of mind on the line, so much we could never restore, through the duties, to which you are assigned. It is important that you know that your sacrifice does not go unnoticed, or unappreciated. And, I want for our country to do so much more for you. Again: Thank you.

My generation remembers this like it was yesterday. A sad day in our nation’s history

True story: my parents lived in an apartment complex in Irving when all of this happened. The couple who lived below them worked at Parkland Hospital. The woman was a nurse in the Parkland ER. The day after Kennedy was shot my parents had a chance to talk to them. When they got word at Parkland that they were coming in with the President, she was put on the team to bring the president in. Her husband was a doctor and was assigned to Gov. Connelly. They were told it was a head shot so she grabbed a big gaze sponge to apply pressure to the wound. No one had any idea how bad it was. When they got the President out of the Lemo, she slapped that gaze on the back of the presidents head but said the back of his head was gone and the gaze and her hand went into his skull. She told my parents he was dead before they could do anything. This is a story I grew up hearing. When the Warren report came out, the nurse told my parents that the report was a lie based on what she saw. Strangely enough, my mom used to get gas pumped into her car by Lee Oswald in Irving and my dad was a regular at the Carousel club in Dallas and had talked to Jack Ruby many times.

As I kid I’ve heard my parents speak of president Kennedy with so much respect which drew my curiosity . I began reading of him and his family history and legacy to become facilitated with the thought of how honorable he was. I instantly was heartbroken when I learned of how he passed the amount of empathy I experienced felt then still remain the same. This gentleman spoke of him and Mrs Kennedy with dignity and respect, I will never forget president Kennedy he’s one of the greatest

RIP Sir ❤ You are free and safe. Thank you for this testimony, Sir!

This dude is really good at telling stories. I saw all the images in my head as he spoke. What a crazy event

I remember Clint Hill's earlier description of JFK's wound - "It looked as if part of the President's brain had been removed with an ice cream scoop." That phrase has stuck with me.

This brought back a flood of memories! My dad was stationed at Quantico at the time and we were living in Manassas, Virginia. I was in the second grade. This incident and the beginning of the space program are fond memories of the time in Virginia!

Amazing interview.

Regardless of who did it we still lost a great president. I feel the true hero in this story was Jackie. That woman stood up and did what very few if any could do. She handled this extremely graphic and traumatic incident so gracefully that it's just incredible. How she was able to keep it together through the witnessing of Jacks assassination, the people at the hospital,the trip back/swearing in of LBJ,the funeral and precession, wow, that woman was unbelievable. Jack and Jackie really were a fantastic couple. It's so sad the USA didn't get to benefit from what those two could have accomplished,so sad. Thankyou for your service

I was in the 10th grade when this happened and I’m 73 today. We watched tv for the next three days as my mother prepared our Thanksgiving meal. The coming Thursday was Thanksgiving. We actually saw the shooting covered on tv over and over and saw Lee Harvey get shot in the garage of the police station. I will never forget those days. We were lucky to have public servants like this man.

The Best Eyewitness account of the JFK assassination I have ever heard. This is Gold. So there were only 2 shots 3 at most.

Sir, you are a hero. Much respect. I can still see the hurt in your eyes over this horrible tragedy.

I was 6 years old. I remember my mother crying for days. At the time I didn’t understand why. I have spent almost my entire life still not understanding why he was shot. Excellent interview. Mr. Hill is definitely an American hero.

Mr Hill's recollection is so clear, lucid and meticulous but so dignified and professional even after all these years. A terrific interview.

😢 MUCH RESPECT FOR ALL INVOLVED...THANK YOU SIR FOR RELIVING THE HISTORICAL EVENT AND SHARING 😢

I saw Clint Hill speak at my university a few years ago. It was an intense experience. He made you feel like you were there.

To think of Jackie holding him, body still pulsing, muscles still trying to breathe with memory, less an entire brain. Must have felt like holding a zombie. From a beautiful evening in Dallas to the worst moment in their life, its wild what life can become.

Having just watched JFK What The Doctors Saw, it corroborates so much from that doc. These memories of what happened when JFK was shot are seared into their memories. The details, the consistency... Incredible interview and memory.

You will never be forgotten for your heroic acts, sir. L salute you

The emotional pain & memories are clearly seen on Mr. Hill’s face as he tells the story of what he witnessed. His composure as he relives the events of that day is remarkable. Thank you for your service, sir. My best friend’s father was an Air Force navigator on Air Force One the day President Kennedy was assassinated. Almost everyone who was alive that day remembers where they were, when Walter Cronkite announced on national television the incredible news that President Kennedy was brutally gunned down and had died, with his wife Jackie right there by his side. I’m sure Agent Hill’s presence was some comfort to the First Lady in the depths of her shock & grief that day.

I held my breath throughout this video. I was completely spellbound. Incredible oral history. Thank you for preserving this story.

This man has an incredible story and life. He was on the Mike Rowe podcast and was absolutely intriguing. He also has two books. One about his travels with Jackie when he was her body guard. Great reads.

I don't think we will EVER know the full truth about what happened to this poor soul. Everything changed on that day in terms of transparency and peoples "trust" with government. God bless you Jack you were truly one of a kind and were WAY WAY ahead of your time.

Absolutely heart wrenching. I can’t even begin to fathom what it must have been like that day. Mr. Hill is immensely courageous to share what he experienced and the interviewer does a great job just letting him do so.