A remarkable discovery in the history of one of America's most tragic moments has come to light, namely, previously unseen amateur footage of President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

A newly unearthed film captures pivotal moments of the ill-fated presidential motorcade in Dallas in November 1963, revealing stunned reactions during and after the critical incident, as the Daily Mail reports.

The 8mm film, found stored in an old milk crate, offers unprecedented details of the chaos and swift response to protect Kennedy and the first lady made by those present.

Origins and Details of Historic Film

The footage, only one minute long, was captured by Dale Carpenter Sr., a Dallas truck driver. It lay forgotten for over six decades among his stored belongings.

Contained in this film are scenes showing the presidential motorcade prior to the assassination and the subsequent rush on Stemmons Freeway to Parkland Hospital, where the car accelerated to speeds of 80 mph.

Highlighted in the footage are then-first lady Jackie Kennedy and Secret Service Agent Clint Hill, with Hill seen shielding the Kennedys with his body, a testimony to his quick, protective actions during the ordeal.

Clint Hill Confirms Authenticity and Impact

Now 92, Clint Hill has confirmed the authenticity of the film and spoken on its profound personal impact. Hill, depicted in the film in his courageous attempt to protect the presidential couple, describes the experience as a vivid reminder of the tragic day.

"The finding is an emotional thing for me because I know what has happened," Hill stated. "I know what I'm seeing in that film is a dead president. It doesn't change anything for me, I'm back there all the time anyways."

His words reflect the deep emotional and historical resonance of the footage, bringing to life once more the perilous moments of that day.

The Grandson Who Uncovered History

James Gates, the grandson of the film's photographer Dale Carpenter Sr., stumbled upon this significant piece of history while sifting through his grandfather's possessions following his passing.

Gates noted the film's condition and storage: "She gave me several reels of family films and audio recordings, a projector, and the reel-to-reel audio recorder. The film was stored in a plastic Dean Foods milk crate and had been in my closet for several years before I decided to put it in a fire safe."

His decision to preserve and research the film's contents eventually led to its recognition as a crucial historical artifact.

Impact on Historical Narratives and Memory

The film will soon be shared with the public as it is set to be auctioned on September 28. Additionally, it will play a significant role in an upcoming documentary titled Agent Number 9: The Clint Hill Story, which is expected to be released next year.

The documentary aims to provide a deeper insight into Hill's actions and contributions during the assassination, complementing the famous Zapruder film that has long been a primary visual source of the assassination.

Bobby Livingston, a historian, remarked on the film's unique perspective: "Unlike any other footage known to exist, this film captures a segment immediately following the Zapruder film, providing a fresh perspective on one of the most analyzed moments in history."

Auction and Documentary Anticipation Builds

Anticipation is building for both the auction and the documentary's release. The footage not only adds to the public's understanding of the JFK assassination but also highlights the real-time responses and heroic efforts by those like Clint Hill.

Lisa McCubbin Hill, a historian and collaborator on the documentary, described the footage's impact: "It really brings the moment to life when you see the President's limousine, you see Clint on the back of the car. To see the speed of the car and how precarious that was - Clint is still trying to protect the president and Mrs. Kennedy from whatever else might be coming. One slip and he would have gone flying off, and he would have been killed."

This rare film promises to offer new insights and enrich the collective memory of a pivotal moment in American history.