The 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas on November 22, 1963, prompts reflection from Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent who attempted to shield the President during the tragic event. In an interview with Radio Diaries, now 91-year-old Hill recounts the personal nature of his assignment to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1960, describing how Kennedy knew the agents by their first names, fostering a unique level of respect.
On the day of the assassination, as the motorcade traversed Dallas, Hill observed the overwhelming crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the President and First Lady. When shots rang out, Hill’s initial thought was a firecracker, but President Kennedy’s reaction made it clear that something was terribly wrong. Acting swiftly, Hill ran to the back of the presidential limousine, becoming a human shield. He vividly recalls the moment when a fatal shot struck the President in the head, and the First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, climbed onto the trunk seeking refuge.
In the aftermath, Hill was haunted by guilt and shame, particularly during the swearing-in of Lyndon B. Johnson aboard Air Force One, where Jacqueline Kennedy, still wearing her bloodstained suit, became a symbol of the nation’s grief. The lack of counseling and awareness about PTSD in those times exacerbated Hill’s emotional struggles. By 1975, health issues related to the emotional toll led to Hill’s retirement from the Secret Service.
Despite accolades as a hero, Hill remains uncomfortable with the label, emphasizing that he doesn’t take comfort in being considered one. His struggle with PTSD led to an extreme depressive state, marked by heavy smoking and alcohol consumption. Over the years, Hill has opened up about his experiences, co-authoring books with his wife, Lisa McCubbin Hill, shedding light on the traumatic events and the emotional aftermath. He advocates for those dealing with PTSD to talk about their experiences with someone they trust, emphasizing the therapeutic value of sharing these burdens.
In essence, Clint Hill’s story is a poignant reflection on the personal and emotional toll of historical events, offering a nuanced perspective on heroism, guilt, and the importance of acknowledging and addressing the psychological impact of traumatic experiences.