20 Years in the Secret Service: My Life with Five Presidents

by Rufus W. Youngblood

U.S. Secret Service Agent Rufus W. Youngblood was in charge of the Vice Presidential Detail on that tragic day in Dallas, Texas, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Immediately upon hearing shots being fired, he pushed Lyndon B. Johnson to the floor of their limousine, shielding the vice president’s body with his own. But this action was only the most publicized incident of a twenty-year career in the Secret Service.

This memoir, originally published by Simon & Schuster in 1973, is a candid account of Youngblood’s tenure with this crucial government agency during which he was assigned to protect Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. Going behind the scenes of some of America’s most pivotal events, he describes the complexities, the risks, and the constant tensions of protecting the American president—including some of the humorous moments and traits of the chief executives themselves.

This new edition now includes numerous photographs to enhance readers’ appreciation of this personal, firsthand account of a critical period in American history.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Biography, Presidents, Politics, Biography Memoir

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book more highly! I'm a huge history buff and love politics. This was exactly the right book for me. It brought back so many memories of growing up in the Kennedy era. I

Rufus Youngblood was a Secret Service agent assigned mostly to the White House from the Truman era onward. The knowledge of the Presidents and their families he provided is amazing and his respect for the men and women he protected is heartwarming. It's a history and personal reflection of some of the great men of our times. I loved reading it and highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published thirty years before the better-known Five Presidents, Rufus Youngblood’s 20 Years in the Secret Service offers equally compelling insight, in a smaller, easier-to-maneuver story.

Full of intriguing tales of presidents Truman through Johnson, at least, Youngblood’s book takes the reader behind the scenes and front-and-center. World tours, ranch getaways, and campaign whirlwinds: All demand protection of a president by the Secret Service – sometimes even from himself. Youngblood saw many changes to the Secret Service in his twenty years with it, prompted most often by tragedy.

Due to the book’s short length and the short period Youngblood spent with Richard Nixon, the final chapter comes off as hurried, but the preceding pages are more than sufficient presenting rarely-mentioned aspects of the Kennedy assassination, as well as a detailed breakdown of the attempt on President Truman’s life.

The author’s family republished the book in 2018, with additional information and tons of seldom-seen pictures at the back, making this edition a nice collector’s item, as well as an historical treasure.

[Randal White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this look into the career of a Secret Service agent. Mr. Youngblood comes across as a very dedicated professional, with a good sense of humor. He has been around since the Kennedy administration and dealt with that assassination. He served all the President's up through Nixon. What a career!

[Megan Kennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rufus shares his entry into the Secret Service and brings readers into the mind and days of an agent. He builds up to perhaps the biggest tragedy in presidential history and the evolution of a secret service agent's importance in the eyes of key presidents. His writing presents an intimate look inside the halls and rooms of the White House and the reader gets to witness conversations with presidents and catch glimpses into their quirks and personalities. All of this is very interesting, but what makes this book such a great read is Rufus's personality--full of wit and charm. His voice feels relaxed and friendly, and we feel as if we're sitting on the porch on a summer evening with an old and dear friend. The remarks and expressions Rufus sneaks into each moment he shares endear the narrator to the reader and make for a very entertaining historical nonfiction. This is a book readers will want to keep on their shelves so they can visit their old friend Rufus every once in a while. Instead of sending it out to reader friends, this is one you'll just recommend by word of mouth.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual type of read, but I liked the fresh perspective and learned some cool stuff. There were a few parts where I felt a bit lost, but that’s probably just my lack of historical knowledge. Honestly, reading this was a good way to fill in some gaps and learn a bit more.

[Lauren Nagel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating account of a Secret Service agent who served during five presidential administrations—from Truman to Nixon. It is part memoir and part history, with some trivia and antidotes thrown in. Much of the focus is on LBJ because Youngblood was assigned to both his detail vice-presidential and presidential detail. Youngblood was the agent who was riding with LBJ on that fate day in Dallas and threw himself over the vice-president as soon as he heard the gun shots. The Kennedy assassination had a big impact on me although I was only a child at the time. It was interesting to read an insider’s view of the tragic events.

Youngblood’s writing experience was most confined to reports and this is obvious at times. However, it is readable and enjoyable. I would recommend it, particularly to those interested in history and presidents

[ManOfLaBook.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

20 Years in the Secret Service: My Life with Five Presidents by Rufus W. Youngblood is a memoir spanning the author’s career. The book has been published in 1974, this is a re-release which includes photographs from Mr. Youngblood’s collection not included in the first printing as well as a forward by Clint Hill.

I picked up this book because I was looking for something similar to Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford by Clint Hill which I enjoyed very much. To my delight, I enjoyed 20 Years in the Secret Service: My Life with Five Presidents by Rufus W. Youngblood just as much.

Mr. Youngblood shares how he entered the Secret Service and got onto the Presidential detail. He goes on to share his experience the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated, very interesting since Mr. Hill’s account was fresh in my head.

I enjoyed the easy manner in which the book is written in, Mr. Youngblood loved his job and the Presidents he swore to protect. One can tell that Mr. Youngblood is a witty, charming person who is friendly and must have been one heck of a storyteller.

I really enjoyed the little anecdotes the author shares with the readers. We get an intimate look into the Presidents private lives, into the halls of power and glimpses of conversation and personality quirks.

The book is very readable and highly enjoyable. Even though the book was written over 40 years ago, still reads fresh and true.

[Megan Kennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rufus shares his entry into the Secret Service and brings readers into the mind and days of an agent. He builds up to perhaps the biggest tragedy in presidential history and the evolution of a secret service agent's importance in the eyes of key presidents. His writing presents an intimate look inside the halls and rooms of the White House and the reader gets to witness conversations with presidents and catch glimpses into their quirks and personalities. All of this is very interesting, but what makes this book such a great read is Rufus's personality--full of wit and charm. His voice feels relaxed and friendly, and we feel as if we're sitting on the porch on a summer evening with an old and dear friend. The remarks and expressions Rufus sneaks into each moment he shares endear the narrator to the reader and make for a very entertaining historical nonfiction. This is a book readers will want to keep on their shelves so they can visit their old friend Rufus every once in a while. Instead of sending it out to reader friends, this is one you'll just recommend by word of mouth.

[Olga · Rating 4 out of 5]

хоча написаний доволі сухою мовою, цей мемуар охоронця п'яти президентів США захоплює з перших сторінок. кумедні ситуації, страшні події, а також особливості роботи секретної служби на найвищому рівні - читач отримує хороший баланс гостросюжетних історій та корисної інформації. в день вбивства Джона Кеннеді автор був присутній безпосередньо на місці подій як охоронець віце-президента Джонсона, тому тут присвячує цілу главу детальній розповіді про те, що там відбувалося і чи можливо взагалі було врятувати президента.

взагалі тут дуже багато спогадів про Ліндона Джонсона, бо саме з ним пов'язана кар'єра Руфуса Янгблада (про що він також згадує в кінці, як одну з причин завершення свого професійного шляху), що для мене стало хорошим відкриттям особистості майже невідомої для мене історичної постаті.

окремо хочу відмітити аудіокнигу, де представлені уривки реальних виступів Джонсона та розмов зі своїм охоронцем. одним словом, це хороший історичний мемуар.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written originally about 40s years ago. it has recently come back in to print. I received a kindle copy from the giveaways on goodreads. Rufus Youngblood was in the secret service protecting the presidents and sometimes vice-presidents for 20 years. He briefly started out with Harry Truman. then Eisenhower. When John Kennedy became president Youngblood protected vice-president Lyndon Johnson. He witnessed the killing Of John Kennedy and went on to protect Lyndon Johnson when he became president. He also was briefly there for Nixon before Youngblood retired from the secret service. I was glad to get a chance to read this book. I learned a few things about what it was like to have this kind of job.

[Nancy Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

I found this book fascinating, especially because I lived through many of the events described. I appreciated the factual detail as well as the writing style. The book was extremely readable, and I loved the humorous anecdotes which were included. Although the subtitle of the book is "My Life with Five Presidents," the majority of the book covers Youngblood's time with LBJ, both as Vice-President and later as President. I enjoyed looking through the photo gallery; my one complaint is that my
Kindle version did not allow for a font size adjustment for the photo captions which were in very small print.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the introduction, one of the author's daughters explains that they decided to republish the book after their father has died. I am glad they did. It was so interesting to hear his story, how he came into the Secret Service, what it was like serving the Presidents and Vice presidents. It is always difficult to hear about the assassination of John Kennedy. I'd read 11/22 a few months ago and so here it all was again. Really fascinating to read his experience. He was the one who jumped over the seat and got right on top of LBJ. What a life that guy had. Loved hearing about his travels.

[Laurab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed 20 Years in the Secret Service. The re-publication of this book, by Rufus Youngblood's children, includes photographs of a time gone by. Mr. Youngblood's wicked sense of humor shines through in this narrative of his life was an unexpected surprise making for a great read! I highly recommend the 2018 publication because of the added foreword by Clint Hill, Preface by Rebecca Youngblood Vaughn and the photographs that show an incredible window to our past.

[Terric853 · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at the workings of the Secret Service as told by an agent. I enjoyed his stories about the various presidents he served, from Truman to Nixon. We only get glimpses of Truman, JFK and Nixon; most of the anecdotes are about Eisenhower and LBJ. Most of his time was spent guarding Lyndon Johnson first as Vice President and then as President. Having grown up in the 60s, I've always been somewhat contemptuous of LBJ and Youngblood's perspective did a lot to humanize him for me.

[Mark DeMateo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book if your looking for the inside of five of our presidents and security. I learned about Kennedy and the transfer of power to Johnson. Youngblood is best known for his protection of Johnson when Kennedy was shot.

Youngblood did a great job explaining protocol along with the habits of the presidents in a professional. He was not looking for skeletons in the closet but rather showing the humanity of each president.

Enjoyed it immensely!!!

[IrishFan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this one from a super cute Little Free Library in Fruita CO while visiting our son. It was a very interesting read, written by a former Secret Service agent who served 5 presidents. We get a very personal account of what happened with JFK was shot, and the presidents who followed. Interesting read. I'm sure a lot has changed since the 60's, but I bet there is a lot that is the same. I recommend this one for sure!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, easy and highly enjoyable read. This makes me wish all secret service agents would write some sort of memoir. The story of the golf cart chasing after President Eisenhower especially made me laugh. It's clear, however, his primary attachment was to President Johnson and for good reason. I'd been wanting to read this book for awhile and it wasn't disappointing.

[Michael Delaware · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting memoir of a Secret Service agent that served 5 Presidents: Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon. As with any personal story, one learns a lot about events from those that were there. Youngblood offers unique details from his perspective about many of the events that occurred over 20 years of American history. A fascinating read.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really a description of the personalities of the presidents, especially Johnson who appears to be quite a difficult man to work with. This book provides an excellent picture of the Kennedy assassination, especially what Mrs. Kennedy had to go through and how Johnson tried to make it easier on her.

[Arthur · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, and one cool aspect of it was you could hear portions of the actual recorded speeches LBJ gave in areas where he was quoted. The author surely lived through a lot and is a special man. But I must be honest in saying that overall I felt disappointed. An interesting book but it didn't satiate my appetite. Rating: 3.4

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who loves history and especially American history this was a great read. President Johnson gets more time than any of the other presidents, but I understood why ... he did, after all take become president after one of the darkest days in our history.
I loved this book and was said to see it end. The narrator really helped make this book awesome.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and the different perspective that it presented on historic events. I would recommend this book to others that enjoy US History. Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in a GoodReads giveaway. However, all opinions expressed are my own and given freely.

[Cheryl Lowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great look into the life of a 20 year veteran of the secret service. The ebook had a few more detailed sentences than the audio and it had photos. I read some reviews that criticized the slow speed of the narrator. As I do for all audiobooks, I adjusted the speed for my listening enjoyment.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book! This was first released in the 1970's after Mr. Youngblood retired from the secret service. Lots of facts and tidbits of various Administrations beginning with the Trumans. He worked mostly with LBJ and had mad respect for him.

[Daphne Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A glimpse into the life of courageous public servants, and the seamless transfer of power during times of national crisis.

The anecdotes about LBJ seemed to be overplayed, but the strength of our system and principles and values are articulated as an inspiring reminder.

[Elisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightful. The Kennedy assassination and LBJ were the most interesting parts in this memoir. One has to admire the work ethic and mind set of Rufus Youngblood, but I can't imagine him as my BFF!

Worth a speed read for the history and learning about the secret service.

[Ricky Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and well written book. The eyewitness accounts of the Kennedy assignation and the events that unfolded afterward were very interesting! The author describes it so well it’s as if your actually there seeing everything unfold before your own eyes.

[Sui5te · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting perspective of history told from the perspective of the inner circle of the secret service. Sometimes the story seemed more like the reading of a list, but overall it was a great story.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid addition to White House memoirs, with the added bonus of learning more about the secret service during the administrations of Truman through Nixon, with the greatest attention focused on LBJ.

[Oli Turner]

I’ve been meaning to read a book about the US #secretservice since I read Tom Clancy’s executive orders. This was full of interesting anecdotes but perhaps could have benefitted from some more technical details regarding training and tactics.