Living History with J. Walter Coughlin

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza presented an interview with J. Walter Coughlin, a U.S. Secret Service agent from 1961 to 1977. Coughlin served on the details of President Kennedy, President Johnson, and Vice President Hubert Humphrey. The program was moderated by Museum Associate Curator Stephen Fagin. This presentation took place at the Museum on May 3, 2014 as part of the 2014 Living History Series.

[generalcancel]

What a thoroughly engaging, erudite, and entertaining interview. Thank you.

[BetweenStations]

I love all these living history interviews.

[melaniehefner]

Love this fellow! Gives me hope in America!

[kris]

All shots from the back. Really?. So how do you explain everyone saying, including Clint Hill the hole in the back of his head?. That's an exit wound. So that had to come from the front. Plus the 2nd and 3rd shots virtually on top of one another. Impossible to reload that quick.

[poppynurse]

Great interview, and even a Rat Pack story thrown in! He is well spoken and a good storyteller.

[MTGrad]

Really enjoyed this candid interview! 

[onthejazzin]

The only Secret Service Agent I've listened to and actually believed 100%

[rds]

It's a well-known fact that the Secret Service agents who were present during the Kennedy administration, were constantly drinking on the job, engaged in prostitutes, and unable to perform their duties. Even when these events are reported to the upper management of the Secret Service, it largely was ignored. So it seems, this is a common practice. Also, during this time, it has been known of conversations about agents who will not protect the president because they didn't like Kennedy's view on civil rights. After the assassination, the Secret Service had their part in the cover-up. They failed, and now they are trying to cover up their own embarrassment and hide the facts of their actions the night before. It's no wonder why AB left the White House detail after his 30 day trial.

[paulsdancing]

Acceptable discussion, except for the agent's statement that all the shots were fired from one direction - behind.
There are numerous shows with videos, where witnesses state that shots came from the 'grassy knoll' direction - opposite to behind.

It is amazing how many people see the truth on the side that butter's their bread.

[VincePalamarasecretservicejfk]

I am glad to see that Walt says that JFK was very cooperative with the agents. Good interview

[akumar]

This is one impressive gentleman, very interesting interview .

[rogerscottcathey]

No one else said JFK ordered SS agents off the back of the limousine. Vince Palamara interviewed many of them. The Dallas detail staying off the back of the limo wasn't by any request of JFK.

[dpitd]

Thank you for this. Wonderful interview.

[ninnerj]

I liked him. I feel his theory behind a conspiracy is very plausible.

[charleshmansfield]

Fine interview, and I agree with his conclusion.

[skippy]

James Garfield was assassinated in 1881, not 1896, but still a good interview.

[aaronpaterson]

Well spoken man who grew up in an orphanage

[edcorrigan]

Anyone who now thinks all shots came from behind are flat earthers. Get real.

[aaronpaterson]

With regards George Hickey tasked as a sniper with the AR-15 he should not have been given that job as his normal duties were assigned to the garage not manning a machine gun. No I don't believe Hickey did anything wrong.

[edcorrigan]

Know anything about "The Cellar" Mr. Coughlin?