Births on January 4

Clint Hill, American secret service agent and author

Clinton J. Hill: A Distinguished Career in Presidential Protection

Clinton J. Hill, born on January 4, 1932, is a highly distinguished former U.S. Secret Service agent whose career spanned the terms of five United States presidents. From his initial service under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, he continued to protect Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to national security and presidential safety across several critical decades of American history.

The Defining Moment: Heroism During the JFK Assassination

Hill is most widely recognized for his extraordinary and unhesitating act of bravery on November 22, 1963, a day indelibly marked in history by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas. As the presidential motorcade proceeded through Dealey Plaza, and shots rang out, Hill, who was assigned to protect First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, immediately reacted with remarkable courage.

Demonstrating split-second decision-making, Hill ran from the Secret Service follow-up car, which was positioned directly behind the presidential limousine. With incredible agility, he leaped onto the rear of the moving vehicle, a 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible. In a profound display of self-sacrifice, he used his own body to shield both First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and the grievously wounded President Kennedy from any further harm, as the limousine rapidly accelerated towards Parkland Memorial Hospital. This selfless act, performed under extreme duress, highlights the ultimate dedication required of a Secret Service agent.

Documentation of Bravery: The Zapruder Film

Clint Hill's heroic actions were famously and tragically captured on the Abraham Zapruder film. This iconic piece of amateur footage, recorded by bystander Abraham Zapruder, meticulously documented the precise moments of the assassination and the immediate aftermath. The Zapruder film remains a critical visual record and stands as undeniable evidence of Hill's profound courage and commitment to his duty during one of the most pivotal and tragic events in American history.

Last Survivor of the Presidential Limousine

As of today, Clinton J. Hill holds a unique and somber place in history: he is the last surviving individual who was physically present within or on the presidential limousine at the exact moment of the John F. Kennedy assassination. This significant distinction has been held by Hill since the passing of Nellie Connally in September 2006. Mrs. Connally, the wife of then-Texas Governor John Connally (who was also wounded in the assassination), was seated next to her husband directly in front of the Kennedys in the limousine.

Frequently Asked Questions about Clint Hill

What is Clint Hill best known for?

Clint Hill is primarily known for his exceptional act of bravery on November 22, 1963, when he leaped onto the presidential limousine to shield First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and President John F. Kennedy during the assassination in Dallas, Texas.

Which U.S. Presidents did Clint Hill serve under?

Clinton J. Hill served a distinguished career protecting five United States presidents: Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford.

How was Clint Hill's heroic action during the JFK assassination documented?

His courageous actions were famously documented by the Abraham Zapruder film, an amateur film that captured the critical moments of the assassination and his immediate response.

Is Clint Hill the last surviving person from the presidential limousine during the JFK assassination?

Yes, Clinton J. Hill is the last surviving individual who was physically present in or on the presidential limousine at the moment of President Kennedy's assassination. He has held this unique status since the passing of Nellie Connally in 2006.