I began my research (1980) into the Assassination after the HSCA released its’ findings around 1979 I think it was. My Assassination library is extensive. By 1980 I had been in Law Enforcement 4 years. I had an understanding of how investigations come together, how the physical evidence relates to the case, what is needed to complete an investigation and most of all the ability to separate true needed facts from what is interesting, but not really relevant (the last 7 words of the previous sentence resound through many books and theories perpetrated by dozens as “investigation” into the Assassination). Little did I know then that my research (which included a visit in 1994 to Dealey Plaza, The Book Depository, Oak Cliff, North Beckley St, 10th & Patton and The Texas Theater) would continue, albeit at different levels, for the next 33 years.
Reading and research. Patience and time. I quickly found most written works focused on “what is interesting, but not really relevant”. The……what…… maybe a dozen or so different theories of what happened, who was involved, i.e. bums from a train car, sniper in the sewer, grassy knoll fence, overpass, Dal-Tex Bldg., Mafia, Agent Greer, Agent Hickey…etc. It seemed absolutely ridiculous that anyone could lend credibility to all these many “theories”.
Think about it……doesn't it seem profoundly ridiculous that every one of these dozen or so final analyses conducted by intelligent people (Note: most had no skill in legal investigations) have a different final word on what happened.
There is but only one conclusion that is fact based if you do your own thorough, unbiased research. Researching this case will not be easy, it cannot be done in a few days. There is much material to sift through, much of it is interesting, but not really relevant. You must have the ability to determine what is needed in an investigation of this nature. Lacking that ability can easily take one off into an interesting, but not really relevant vein. There are many “veins” in this case. There is but one fact based conclusion to this homicide investigation. The Dallas Police apprehended the right person.
During the course of my investigation/research the one thing that soon occurred to me was the lack of any in depth public book/story involving the Secret Service Agents from that day. From a Law Enforcement perspective, I always thought I would like to have seen an in depth account of what they saw and experienced during that time. Sure there are some statements and investigative/research blurbs in The Warren report, Manchester's book, Bishops book, Roberts book and a few others. One tv interview with Clint Hill in 1975. All in all I wanted more, I knew there had to be more. I had my own ideas as to why there wasn’t more.
When I first heard about The Kennedy Detail I was personally excited and gratified that this was finally done. However honestly, I did not know much about Jerry Blaine. I quickly found that Clint Hill was involved and of course, I knew who he was. I went out, bought the book and began reading what I hoped would be the piece of research that I always desired to know. A piece of research that I felt was crucially needed. I finished the Book in four days. When I finished the Book, I knew exactly who Jerry Blaine was.
There are but a few historically significant books on the subject of the Assassination and this one is at the top of the list. This Book is a deeply personal experience from the men who lived it. They were there. I believe to really “get it”…..that is to say completely understand the meaning of this book number one you have to believe in the integrity of the writer and those involved. The integrity of these men, all the Agents, is above reproach! These clearly were dedicated, honorable men that swore to an oath and upheld it. We must understand that this oath meant something; it meant honor, integrity, honesty, sacrifice and respect for the position. This Book is a true and factual account. When this is blended with the true facts of this case the reader comes away with the feeling that the circle is complete. History is now complete and an accurate historical aspect is clearly and honestly laid out.
I have read other reviews on this forum, I disagree with a few. I will not resort to name calling and cursing. This is a public forum. To resort to this level of expression is quite disrespectful and frankly uncalled for and extremely unprofessional…especially for self proclaimed experts and writers. It serves to diminish and trivialize whatever it is you are trying to say. This form of expression along with its’ twisted interpretations of history become baseless, having succumbed to the interesting but not really relevant issue. The fact that President Kennedy used the Lincoln bubble top on many prior occasions DOES NOT prove anything with regard to Tampa and Dallas. The fact that President Kennedy on many prior occasions allowed Agents to ride on or run beside the Presidential Limousine DOES NOT prove anything with regard to Tampa and Dallas. The Presidents’ mindset along with his assistants was different for Tampa and Dallas. He especially wanted to be seen and wanted Mrs. Kennedy (in Dallas) to be seen. His chief assistant O’Donnell made the call on the morning of the 22nd to leave the bubble top off because he knew that is what the President wanted. This information is not coming from me, those who wish to research this topic will find it in several factual sources. The Agents were requested to stay off the rear of the Presidential Limousine, this IS what the President wanted and he wanted it especially for this motorcade on the 22nd.
Pure fate took its’ course that day. The rain stopped and the skies cleared. The rain stopped and the skies cleared!!!
Pure fate took its course that day. Just the way many American tragedies had before and after the 22nd. Every historical American tragedy can be armchair quarterbacked. Realistically, in life things just happen. The most brilliant minds in America could not prevent pure fate from taking its course in history: the 3 astronauts in 67…….the Space Shuttle disasters in 86 and ’03. But for pure luck we did not lose President Reagan at the hands of Hinckley. Imagine the books and finger pointing, and the conspiracy theories that would have arisen had He died that day. But for pure luck, we did not lose President Ford at the hands of a gun wielding Fromme. The unpredictable nature of the human being will surely be the source for American tragedies yet to come. They too will not be prevented.
More importantly the American public must accept the fact that individuals, acting alone, the likes of Adam Lanza, James Holmes, Jared Lee Loughner (political assailant), John Hinckley (Reagan assailant), James Earl Ray and Lee Harvey Oswald will always be among us.
Every American owes a deep sense of gratitude to Jerry Blaine, Clint Hill and all the Secret Service Agents that contributed to this historically significant book, they should be respected and admired.
Pure fate reared its head that day in November and gave all of us another American tragedy that CANNOT be blamed on anyone other than Lee Harvey Oswald.
This Book gets 5 Stars+, you better believe it; Thank you Jerry, Clint and Lisa for this needed chapter of American History
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