Lisa McCubbin Knihy

The bestselling authors of *Mrs. Kennedy and Me* recount the five tragic days surrounding JFK’s assassination, featuring revealing photographs published to honor the beloved president on the fiftieth anniversary of his death. On November 22, 1963, three shots rang out in Dallas, marking the end of an era for many. A powerful photo of Secret Service agent Clint Hill jumping onto the presidential limousine to shield the President and Mrs. Kennedy captured the moment's urgency. Now, Hill commemorates this anniversary with a stunning collection of over 150 photos, each paired with his insider perspective on those harrowing days. Through poignant narration and rarely seen images, we witness young John Kennedy Jr.’s heartfelt wish to accompany his parents to Texas and the enthusiastic crowds that welcomed the Kennedys. We stand alongside a shaken Lyndon Johnson as he is swiftly sworn in as president and feel the first lady’s unwavering strength as she walks in her husband’s funeral procession through Washington, D.C. This narrative, fifty years in the making, reflects both personal and historical significance, revealing the profound grief of a nation and the deep impact on Hill, who understood from the moment the shots were fired that everything had irrevocably changed.

Originally published in hardcover in 2016 by Gallery Books.

The Secret Service, an elite team dedicated to protecting the president of the United States, faced an unimaginable failure on November 22, 1963, forever altering the nation. For the first time, a member of JFK's detail shares the inside story of the assassination and its profound aftermath. This account reflects dedication, courage, and loss, drawing on memories from fellow agents. The author portrays the vibrant, crowd-loving president who often defied security protocols, plunging into enthusiastic crowds. He details the meticulous planning for JFK's Texas visit and the agents' mounting concerns during the trip, compounded by long hours and little rest. The first lady, making her first political appearance after a personal tragedy, adds another layer of complexity. Vivid scenes emerge from the Kennedy detail: JFK's last words to his son before leaving Washington, the decision to use an open convertible due to sudden weather changes, and Mrs. Kennedy's harrowing moments outside a Dallas hospital. The narrative also captures the agents' immediate response to the president's death and their dismay at Jackie’s public mourning. Ultimately, this story reveals the emotional toll on the agents, their bonds, and the impact of conspiracy theories on their lives, providing a poignant look at heroism and heartbreak surrounding JFK's assassination.