Central ND News

Gov. Kelly Armstrong has issued a statement on the passing of Clint Hill, a retired U.S. Secret Service agent and recipient of North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award. Hill passed away at the age of 93.

“Clint Hill embodied the qualities of courage, service and sacrifice. His loyalty to his country and his devotion to his solemn duty to protect the president continues to inspire us to this day,” Armstrong stated. “North Dakota has lost a legendary native son.”

Hill served in the U.S. Secret Service from 1958 until 1975, during which he protected five presidents: Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, and Gerald R. Ford. He is particularly remembered for his actions on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, when he jumped onto the back of President Kennedy's limousine during the assassination attempt to shield both President Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

In November 2018, Hill received the Rough Rider Award from then-Governor Doug Burgum. Upon receiving this honor, Hill expressed gratitude and pride: “You have made a fellow North Dakotan a very proud and happy man,” he said. Despite leaving North Dakota for work opportunities, Hill maintained that his heart remained in Washburn along the Missouri River in McLean County.

Established in 1961, the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award is North Dakota's highest honor, recognizing individuals who have achieved national prominence in their fields and brought credit to the state. Named after the 26th U.S. President, who had significant ties to North Dakota, the award has been bestowed upon 50 distinguished individuals, including entertainer Lawrence Welk, author Louise Erdrich, and astronaut James Buchli. The most recent recipient, in November 2024, is Steve D. Scheel, chairman emeritus of the SCHEELS retail company.