Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford

I absolutely loved reading this American hero's account of his selfless fascinating service to our country!! I could not put it down!!!

This is a fascinating insider view to many of the events in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. First person stories are always interesting but this one was especially intriguing since I never knew much about that Secret Service agent who rushed to the presidential limo as the fist shot rang out in Dallas on that fateful day in 1963. I didn't know his name, now I know his compelling story. Clint Hill takes us through his protection of five different presidents. It was fascinating to see the personality differences in how each president approached the presidency and dealt with their own security. I enjoyed how he provided a limited, behind the scenes perspective of many of the national and world events ranging from the Cuban Missile Crisis, to Vietnam to Watergate. It was also very interesting to hear how the Secret Service works. Hill detailed how he got the job, was promoted and even when he was seemingly demoted to the Kiddie Protection and later protecting the First Lady. The content of the book was very informative without being exploitative. But what I appreciated most was how he detailed it. I have read many biographies and more than a few that write a book to inflate their importance as an attempt to secure their legacy. This story does the opposite. Hill reflects the purpose of the Secret Service when he takes the humble approach, highlighting the service he and his colleagues provided. While we do hear it from his perspective, in many ways the book isn't about him but the role he played in that national story. The book reflects the mindset and attitude of the protective detail of the world's most powerful leader. He writes of the joys, privileges and challenges but not from a "I'm important" but "this is what it was like. We don't hear, read or see that perspective or dedication much anymore. So to hear from someone who sacrifices their private life to protect a public official who they may or may not like or agree with is refreshing, intriguing and informative. For me, the most intriguing theme was how he struggled to deal with losing a president on their watch. Even though he was on the First Lady's protection, he felt personally responsible for JFK's death. That is difficult to comprehend in this self-serving world. He always felt he should have done more. Reading between the lines and what was omitted from the story that happened after he left the service, that one incident haunts today, decades later. I appreciate that he didn't drag us through all his misery. His sense of duty to his country but also to his readers is clear. It now makes sense why he didn't write a book much sooner, trying to capitalize on the tragedy. In the world of scandal and tabloids, I'm sure Clint Hill could have shared many other stories that would have shown a different side of those presidents. I appreciate that he took this approach. This book is not only a great peek behind the scenes but a great lesson in service. We can all learn something from Clint Hill and the Secret Service.

Clint Hill, probably the most recognized Secret Service agent in history, writes of his sixteen-year career covering presidents from Eisenhower to Ford. It's a book of mostly light fare, much of which is spent relating presidential foreign trips and how the secret service attended to the details necessary in making a president's trip safe. Apart from the often remembered day in Dallas, which Hill has written about previously, he spends several entertaining chapters describing how life was like with Lyndon Johnson. These chapters were lots of fun to read as LBJ kept the agents hopping with last-minute decisions to "go places". A good bit of the book is taken up with historical context rather than Hill's own personal involvement in protecting the president, so the narrative gets a little diversionary at times. But I was amazed to read about how long the SS-100-X, the limousine in which JFK was riding when assassinated, was still in use. And it wasn't until Nixon's tenure that limousines finally got bulletproof glass! There are some questions that are never answered. Was it really alcohol abuse that shortened his years with the Secret Service?He doesn't tell much about this. And what ever happened to his wife, Gwen? She fades away somewhere near the end of the book. "Five Presidents" is an easy read, told my a man who was a witness to dozens of major historical events. It's worth that read to learn about his career and the men he served.

I enjoyed the book immensely. It kept my attention because it was so detailed and gave a view close up. Only thing that was curious was the details about some of the female proclivities of especially Johnson and Kennedy that were not disclosed in the narrative but certainly well rumored and maybe even documented in other places. Other than that, which could have been left out because he was guarding Jacqueline and not that close to JFK, but who knows. Took me back to many periods of history which were familiar and some not so much and gave me a view into what it took to protect the President and the effect it had on those who did that. His insight into JFK's assignation was grueling since he was so up close and personal, but that detail was needed to truly tell the horror of it all. I highly recommend this book which was recommended to me by a friend for anyone who wants to understand the innerworkings of the Office, and how the Secret Service works. Well done.

Entertaining, educational and very well written. It's also a great Book Club book. The inside story of their personalities is very interesting.

A very good read told in a very simple fashion. Interesting insights. Not a great fan of Nixon I imagine but gave a very positive review of Spiro Agnew as a person who was kind and amiable. Dedicated to his job. I would’ve liked to read more about his life from 1975 onwards, particularly how his relationship developed with his wife and family.

Très instructif

Um excelente testemunho de quem acompanhou de perto o governo de vários presidentes norte-americanos e, pela especial natureza de suas funções, deu o melhor de si para proteger ditos governantes e suas famílias.

Loved this detailed view of life with the Presidents . Different political views and life styles .....family commitment . Big decisions to make daily .....and long hard work ....Enjoy the authors style of writing , personal , but not intrusive .

Me gusta muchisimo! Muy interesante!