A Secret Service Agent Shares Heartbreaking Moments With Jackie Kennedy After JFK's Assassination

A Secret Service agent assigned to Jackie Kennedy has revealed her final heartbreaking moments with her husband John F. Kennedy, in footage shared exclusively with Newsweek. Clint Hill, now 91, was part of the motorcade during the tragic events of November 22, 1963, when JFK was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. He later recounted the emotional ride he took with Jackie Kennedy in the back of the hearse, carrying the body of the 35th president of the United States.

John F. Kennedy was a remarkable figure in American history, taking office in 1961 at the age of 43, making him the youngest elected leader to hold the presidency. By November 1963, he had been in office for almost three years, navigating the complexities of politics and the challenges within the Democratic Party. His visit to Texas was intended to mend frictions within the party, but it would ultimately be overshadowed by the tragic events that unfolded.

During his visit, a motorcade was organized for November 22, designed to maximize Kennedy's exposure to the public as he viewed it as an informal kickoff for his 1964 reelection campaign. However, the day took a devastating turn as he was shot by former U.S. Marine Lee Harvey Oswald while riding in the car with Jackie, Texas Governor John Connally, and Connally's wife, Nellie. Just thirty minutes after the shooting, President Kennedy was pronounced dead, and Clint Hill's life would forever be marked by the events of that day.

Biography

Key Events of November 22, 1963

On the morning of November 22, 1963, President Kennedy's motorcade made its way through the streets of Dallas, Texas. The route was carefully planned to allow maximum public exposure, with thousands of people lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the president. However, the joyful atmosphere quickly turned to horror as shots rang out.

Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent assigned to protect Jackie Kennedy, vividly remembers the chaos that ensued. He jumped from the follow-up car onto the back of the limousine to shield the president and Jackie from further harm. His bravery in that moment was a testament to his dedication, but it could not prevent the tragedy that unfolded.

As the limousine raced to Parkland Memorial Hospital, Hill and Jackie were left grappling with the reality of the situation. The emotional weight of that day would haunt Hill and Jackie for the rest of their lives, forever altering their paths. Hill's experience is now shared in the National Geographic docuseries JFK: One Day in America, which aims to shed light on the events and the impact they had on the nation.

The Aftermath and Legacy

Following the assassination, Jackie Kennedy displayed remarkable strength and composure amidst the chaos. Hill recalls how after the president's death, he had a difficult conversation with Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, who was seeking to understand what had happened. Hill felt it was inappropriate to inform Robert of his brother's death over the phone, reflecting the deep emotional turmoil of that day.

In the years following the assassination, Jackie would marry Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis, taking on the name Jacqueline Onassis. This new chapter of her life brought its own challenges, including intense media scrutiny. Nevertheless, she remained a symbol of grace and resilience, leaving a lasting legacy on American history.

The upcoming docuseries JFK: One Day in America not only aims to recount these pivotal moments but also serves as an oral history, featuring testimonies from those who lived through the tragedy. It emphasizes the importance of remembering this significant chapter in American history as we approach the 60th anniversary of JFK's assassination.

As we reflect on the events of November 22, 1963, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the impact that one moment can have on countless lives. Clint Hill's story, alongside Jackie's unwavering love for her husband, showcases the deep human emotions tied to this historical event, making it all the more poignant and relevant today.

In conclusion, the legacy of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis continues to resonate with us, serving as a reminder of the importance of leadership, love, and resilience in the face of adversity.