Scared Fearless: An Unlikely Agent in the US Secret Service

by Kathryn Clark Childers, Deborah Hickman Perry

The the 1970s. The an airplane en route to Washington, DC. Kathryn Clark Childers chats with a fellow passenger. “Are you visiting?” her seatmate asked. “No, I work there,” Childers said, pointing out the window to the White House, which had just come into view. “I’m a Secret Service agent.”          “Really? I didn’t know they let girls pull that duty. I’m not really sure what you do.” “It’s a secret.” Recruited to the Secret Service as one of its first five female agents, Childers would surprise many people, including herself. Her duties included undercover work, protective details for John and Caroline Kennedy, children of Jacqueline Kennedy, and attending state dinners where she met world leaders, including Prince Juan Carlos of Spain. In addition, she had to figure out how to disguise the .357 Magnum revolver that she carried at all times, whether wearing jogging clothes, a business suit, or an evening gown. It was 1970, and the Secret Service, like most public and private organizations, struggled—sometimes unsuccessfully—with the challenges of incorporating a rising tide of women into government service and other professional workplaces.  Written in a lighthearted but highly informative style, Scared Fearless details the obstacles and the joys, the moments of high adventure, and the laughable fashion dilemmas that were part of Childers’ groundbreaking role. Through everything that happened, Childers says, she followed her father’s “Just do it scared.”

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

Published August 2, 2021

Reviews

[Valerie Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I attended the University of Colorado, Kathy Clark was the president of Panhellenic. I still remember a talk she gave when I was a sophomore and she was a senior. She exuded charisma. Fast forward to my life in Corpus Christi and I ran into her at P&S hospital when she was a candy striper. I instantly recognized her. Kathryn has always been engaged with her community. I knew very little about her time with the Secret Service, so I found this book so much fun to read. Thank you Kathryn for giving us the insight into what it was like to be one of the first five female Secret Service agents in the United States. It was groundbreaking in the 1970s. Thank you for your service, and for writing in my copy of your book.

[Roberta Westwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

A fun and curiosity satisfying listen! Kathryn’s memories as one of the first female Secret Service Agents would have been enjoyable no matter where she was assigned, but the fact that she was young Caroline Kennedy’s security detail made it extra special. Lots of little interesting tidbits, told without violating the privacy of those she shared so many private moments. Highly recommended.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard Kathryn Childers speak at a conference earlier this summer. She was charming and funny and I heard most of this book in her voice.
Perhaps it was deference to her protectees, perhaps it was government non-disclosure policies, or perhaps being a Secret Service Agent isn't as glamorous as we believe ... but the book as a little boring.

[Angelina Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

After seeing the author at a DAR luncheon this spring, I knew I wanted to 'hear' more of her stories. Her book proved to be entertaining and provided an insight into the culture of the 70's. If you ever had the opportunity to hear her speak, I encourage you to take it.

[Veronica Burkhart- Bayles · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring book for Women. Thank you for your service. One of the first 5 women in the secret service. Quick read.

[Kym Webster · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting read, with all the history intertwined.
And kudos to the women who humbly forged a new frontier.
The writing, tho, wasn't great, and the story line was choppy.

[Melanie Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing Education TAMCAR, April 2025