The Attempted Assassination of President Truman, 1950.
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- There is a long history of plots against the life of the US Chief executive. One of the most Brazen seems little remembered today, and, in fact, was quickly lost in the news cycle even when it occurred due to events elsewhere in the world. But the violent attempt on President Harry Truman’s life in 1950 deserves to be remembered.
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This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
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Script by THG
#history #thehistoryguy #USHistory
Many viewers have chosen to point out that there is a difference between a clip and a magazine. I am sorry for the error.
Of course they would know that.
Why wouldn't they choose to point that out? 😂
@@lawrenrich-nf3ni It's almost as though knowledge is good. Sure beats ignorance.
The Truman Library has some really funny vintage stuff,,many letters were sent to disturb him, they didn't at all
@@TheHistoryGuyChannel One the other hand, if it were a tense situation and I had expended my ammunition, if someone tossed me a full magazine and hollered, "Clip!" like in the movies, I wouldn't quibble over 4 letters. 😉😎
Wow after 17 years of formal education I never heard of this attempt on Truman.
Students should be encouraged to listen to this channel and discuss stories in class. Thanks HG
Wow. Really. I heard about this. In HS. But that was the 1970s.
@@jimsharp5044 That was practically still the news for you though.
@@attemptedunkindness3632 So have you heard the news? Planes JUST NOW crashed into the World Trade Center Buildongs! Here is a preview of what you will learn about in 15 years, something called COVID will greatly impact the world. PREPARE NOW.
Stephen Hunter wrote an excellent book on this incident. If you like guns and history you will enjoy it.
You obviously attended U.S. government Sociaist schools
Leslie Coffelt was critical to the stopping of this assassination attempt. The Secret Service was exchanging shots, sometimes from as close as 20 feet, but could not get a hit, while the main gunman wounded several. Leslie Coffelt, a Washington D. C. policeman, from the Shenandoah Valley, grew up with a reputation as an expert marksman, the best shot in the county, was already mortally wounded. But he got up, staggered out of the booth he was in and saw the one remaining assassin, the one who had inflected all the wounds, reloading his handgun, possibly seconds away from killing the President at the window. Coffelt took careful aim with his handgun and from 31 feet away hit the would be assassin in the head. The assassin flipped over a short fence, curled up in a ball and died. Coffelt staggered back into the booth and collapsed. Taken to the hospital he died four hours later.
The only agent killed protecting the president.
Yep. Somehow people think cops, federal, state, or local actually know how to properly shoot and handle firearms. They are usually the worst!
Thank you HISTORY GUY.I am 62 years old and didn't know this happened.Thats why I watch the HISTORY GUY.😊😊😊
Yea, I'm 76 and majored in history and never heard this. Thanks THG, been a fan a long time.
@@candyvance2983 Yep, my degree was in US History and I had no idea (I am 67). My husband, however, did know about it, surprisingly (he majored in Chemistry but is a huge history guy too). My parents went into the Navy that year.
Another history major who had no idea about this--and Dad & Mom were both fans of Truman.
My wife and I were both born during Truman's presidency, and neither one of us had ever heard that there had been an attempt on Truman's life. Thank you for yet another pearl of knowledge THG.
When discussion Truman's reaction to the shooting, you have to remember he was a veteran of WWI. He was the CO of an artillery battery in support of the infantry. Truman was a "March to the sound of the guns" type of commander.
If you go to the Truman Presidential Archive online, there are some amazing pictures of the White House Renovations. The White House was in such disrepair that a Piano fell through the Ceiling nearly coming down on President Truman's daughter. The Parks department wanted to actually tear down the entire structure and start over, but since the White House was a symbol of National Pride, they only left the outer walls standing. There is a picture in the Truman archive showing the entire house being gutted down to the basement and large tractors and trucks inside excavating the foundation.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share! I didn't know about this amazing resource and I'm going to spend hours just enjoying learning about the renovations! Keep being awesome and passionate about what you love! Super grateful I found your comment just now!
Just your usual five-star job, Lance. After reading "American Gunfight," I wrote "Leslie Coffelt, 1910-1950" on the white board in my classroom. It was a small tribute to a very brave man who did his duty to the end.
I have read "American Gunfight" and it is an excellent book, going into great detail on what happened and why.
There is still a separatist movement in Puerto Rico. Not only did they shoot up the House of Representatives, but in 1981 blew up a number of A-7 aircraft of the Air National Guard.
I would like to see THG do a program on the incident in the House...
There was an armored car hijacking tied to Puerto Rican separatists as well.
This sort of thing didn't stop with Truman. In 1954, Puerto Rican Nationalists opened fire in the United States House of Representatives, wounding 5 congressmen.
I was on a personally guided tour (provided by a Rep's staff member) and was allowed to sit at Republican leadership desk on the House floor. The bullet holes are still in the desk top and drawer, as well as in the aisle floor.
You beat me to it. I think THG should do a video about it since I assume most Americans don’t know about it.
In 1954, four Puerto Ricans opened fire from the gallery in the House of Representatives. The shot into the chamber while the House was in session. The drawer of the Republican leader's desk was open and a bullet went through the side of the drawer. The drawer and the hole are still in that desk.
Regarding Harry Truman carrying on at 11:26: he was a World War I artillery battery commander. That's not bayonet-range duty relative to the enemy, but with German counterbattery fire and the employment of gas, he had an above average amount of experience dealing with extreme stress.
I was 10 years old and remember it well. We were shocked and frightened. Perfect timing.
History is usually only remembered by those that lived through it. After that, it's just something in a book or, these days, a web site or video. You've lived a long life there, David. Keep it up!
LOVED those Presidential Cuff Links in the opening sequence of this wonderful presentation Mr. History Guy! After learning everything I could about The Presidents including births, deaths, cabinet members, Vice Presidents and other things under the Sun about The Presidency at age 7 up to my now 68th year of existence, I can tell you I had NEVER even heard of this happening to our favorite "The Buck Stops Here" President! Your curriculum of videos should be mandatory viewing in Schools AND after the Students see and hear just one of your presentations, They TOO will be hooked like the rest of your Students in here! Thank you as always for your continued hard work in entertaining AND teaching us all! MOO From COW-lumbus, Ohio
The CEO of IKEA was just elected president in Sweden.
He should have his cabinet together by the end of the week.
I'd be worried, theres never enough directions, always a few bits missing, and several extra leftovers somehow.
Well he's made his bed, now he'll have to lie in it! 😊
What does this have to do with the attempt on Truman's life?
@@AlanToon-fy4hg You know how Ikea likes to name their furniture designs after people? The cabinet he's putting together is named "Truman".
After his most recent installment, he is at least now able to table meetings. Soon he will even be able to chair them.
I learned about this in my HS history class. The teacher had served in both theaters of operation (Europe and Pacific) though he didn't say, or I don't remember, what he said he did. He stated that a member of his guard detail knocked Truman down and away from the window after he wouldn't move away. This I believe wholeheartedly.
Great choice and lots of details left out of the news I've read about the attempt. Thanks for doing the digging!
My family lived in Independence, Mo. One hot day we were driving past the Truman home and I noticed Secret Service agents in the yard. Their coats were open with shoulder holster visible. This was shortly after the assassination attempt on President Truman and my mother explained that those guys with guns were protecting the President. Shortly after this event the Truman home was surrounded by a high steel security fence that is still there today. We were also there when President Truman came home from the White House in January 1953. Contrary to popular opinion that he drove home, he and Mrs. Truman came in on the train and they were driven home by then Mayor, Robert P. Weatherford. I have a photo I took of them driving toward home. Mrs. Truman was elated to be out of the White House because she hated Washington. Her smile was a badge of her happiness.
When he was asked what his first act was upon returning home to Independence, Mr. Truman reportedly said, "I took the grips up to the attic."
@@orbyfan What does "grips" mean in this context?
@@dugroz "Grips" is short for "Gripsack". It is a type of bag/luggage.
@@dugroz Suitcases.
I recall reading somewhere that upon hearing the gunfire a Secret Service agent positioned himself in the entryway behind the front door with a Thompson gun.
Thanks!
Thank you!
Thank you. In grade school I did learn of this event, but not all of the details. Thank you
7:38 Totally professional and neutral wording on that newsreel
Have you made a video on the Edmund Fitzgerald yet? The 50 year anniversary of the wreck is coming up next year. I haven't been able to find a good video on it that doesn't focus on the horror.
How about the August 1943 sinking of PT-109 & JFK?
_cue Gordon Lightfoot_ 👍
They were magazines, not clips. Other than that one error, an absolutely brilliant video, Sir.
They were periodicals, not magazines.
🤷 Clip, mag, pretty interchangeable nowadays. I admit it jars on the professional level, but for folks that don't work closely with firearms regularly it's just the box that holds the gun food.
@@notahotshotso funny I forgot to laugh
@@HM2SGT I hope you never get hired as an air traffic controller.
@@notahotshotyou forgot to add “they’re videos, not clips.”
WOW! I had never heard anything about this until your video.
Thanks History Guy ✌️🤠
This assassination attempt is mentioned in the novel Seven Days in May. I heard about the attempt in high school, American History II.
Thanks Lance. I had no idea until today.
Good morning Lance and all my fellow lifelong learning friends! Greetings from rain drenched Connecticut! 🙂
We got 12" in SW FL yesterday day. New record broke the 1945 record.
@@jonthinks6238Wow!
It should be remembered while these individuals were dishonoring the name of Puerto Rico. The men of the 65th Infantry Regiment were proudly serving in Korea. The heroic actions of Puerto Rican National Guardsmen in Korea; were a attempt to prove the Loyalty of Puerto Rico to Truman and the USA. And to erase the shame of this incident.👨🏽💻
I'm 64 and while I have previously heard (usually in some historical aside) that "Puerto Rican Nationalists" made an abortive attack on the white house,
I had never heard that Truman was the target, or that he was in any danger. Thanks for bringing this story to light.
That was a timely and impressive shot from the mortally wounded Officer.
I actually read about the attack on Blair House in an old history of the Secret Service. And Truman kept all his appointments! Maybe not the most badass president of all, but definitely in the top five.
Thanks Google for memory holing current news so the autocomplete of "assassination attempt of tru..." only shows results about Harry Truman.
That's how found out about this
If that were true, it no longer is, or at least not for me.
"Assassination"
Assassination attempt"
"Assassination attempt on"
"Assassination attempt on Tru"
All give "Assassination attempt on Trump" as the top suggested search.
@@notahotshot It was true and they had to fix it because Elon Musk called them out
@@charlesbaldolmao no. stop spreading falsehoods on a channel dedicated to facts.
I noticed it, made a screen capture. Search suggestions are back to normal again.
I'm a 92 yrs old age! And 1950 yr was my Sr High School in Chicago, IL. It's name was "Fenger"! And one of THE greatest High Schools, Ever. Thus, your "Title and Narratives"; are very "Tears Nostalgic" to me! For, we were DEEP into the War II; with Germany from 1939 to 1944. And the Ending War with Japan.
Not to mention All the President Truman things he did. Like you showed "Puerto Rico"! But the MOST incredible; was MacArthur and Truman; going on to drop; that Atomic Bomb, Yet TWO! Wow! So...
Thank you Sir; of a Video like this. I shall never forget. But I must say, we were Christian Conservative Republicans. Not liking Truman! Oh Well! AMEN! Thank you again Sir. (And they say the 50's; were the Greatest years in America. And we say "Hallelujah"; and Praise Jesus' Holy Name!)
I was just a young child when this took place, so I don't remember it at the time, but learned of it in History class in high school.
Didn’t Rosevelt get shot, and refused treatment as he had a speech. He gave the speech and then went to the hospital.
Correct- he gave the speech with a bullet lodged in his chest.
Theodore Roosevelt.
@@shawnr771 - Is this my neighbor SHAWN? And yes, that’s him! Good to see you here! How did you find me?
@@Erin-Thor Yes.
Tracking device.
@@shawnr771 - You STALKER YOU! 🤣
This is the first I’ve heard of this. Remarkable! Thank you
As a little kid, I remember watching President Truman's funeral procession. It happened during the Nixon administration. It was televised during the day, and I watched it on a large, black 'n white Motorola TV. I especially remember the horse-drawn hearse.
I well remember television coverage of the launch of the final Apollo lunar mission (Apollo 17), being interrupted with coverage of Truman's passing.
I had just turned 5 when this happened, and I don't remember it at all, not surprisingly. Some years later I heard or read about it, but never new the detailed story.
Another excellent presentation. Thank you.
Bravo! Well deserved recollection of an assassination attempt 74 years ago. I can’t recall ever seeing a mention of this in my history classes!
Why hell yes I remember it. The President showed colossal cool and steadfast courage throughout' Tho I was not born as yet, I've since engaged in a study of the Presidents and deem Mr. Truman our fourth greatest leader; behind Washington, Lincoln and Roosevelt-FD. Without fanfare, bluster, or overbearing insecurity as most Presidents would, he handled the situation with humility, candor and respect for those whose responsibility it was to deal with such things. And took care of his. Another great video, excellent as always.
The only reason I know about the attempted assassination of Truman is due to my American History Prof in fourth year Uni. He was a serious "fanboy" of Truman and knew everything about him, including how many times a day he changed his clothes!! One of my favourite courses, ever!! Love your work, and I always look forward to your next drop. Cheers from Canada!!
I never knew this happened. Thank you for educating your followers.
I've known about the attempt on Trumans' life; just a couple of details. Thank you Lance for today's lesson!
There is an excellent book about this written by Stephen Hunter and John Bainbridge called "American Gunfight".
Simon and Schuster 2005, 368 pages.
This is probably the least publicized incident involving an assassination attempt on a president in history. Thanks for this excellent narrative.
Right you are, Lance. Completely unknown to me, a self-described history geek. Thank you so much for digging this up. Truman was an amazing guy. A true "Everyman". Completely unpretentious and full of common sense. Where have all of those heroes gone?
As a boomer, I’m amazed that this was never taught in school. I never knew what I didn’t know! Thanks History Guy. 👍🏿🌊
Perhaps you remember that BJ Clinton let some Puerto Rican "Nationalist" out of jail to help Hillary win her run to US Senate from NY. (NY City is the favorite destinations of PRs coming to the mainland. It's more popular than Florida.)
Not in Government socialist schools
I have never heard of this attempt. I am SO glad i found this channel, its really taught me a lot.
Excellent presentation. Very informative. Thank you
I don't recall hearing about this. I did know a bit about the 1954 attack on Congress by Puerto Rican nationalists, who shot from the visitors gallery in the House chamber. Maybe that would be a follow-up story from History Guy..
Thank you for posting
I remember reading about this assassination attempt in an encyclopedia back in 4th grade. I'm surprised that this isn't talked about more these days.
Thank You So Much(!!), History Guy, for creating and posting this video. At age 65, I'm ashamed to admit that I had never heard of, or read of this assassination attempt. I Truly Appreciate, Sir, not only your pleasant demeanor, but your conscientious dedication to illuminating the shadows where knowledge so often hides.
Thanks History Guy. Love your cufflinks. 🤵
Thank you for the lesson.
I had never heard about this.
I was in the 2nd grade when this was going on, just a mere 65 miles away and I doubt anyone ever said a thing to us kids about this event. Thank you, History Guy, for bringing me up to speed 74 years later!
Once again, THG, you highlight another forgotten moment of history that we SHOULD remember. Thank you for reminding us.
thank you Lance!
I had heard about this incident, but it usually gets passed over quickly in history class. More important fish to fry, apparently. Thanks for this!
In the early 90s, I competed in the Secret Service Invatational Pistol Match. The top prize that yeare was the Leslie Coffelt trophy, and we were presented with the history behind the trophy.
Nice cufflinks, Mr THG!
Thank you for enlightening us on our history
Great history as always! Also, your cuff links are very snazzy.
Thanks for an interesting video History Guy. I never knew this happened and admittedly I don't a great deal about President Truman.
Harry Truman goes to window:
What's with all the noise out there dammit, I'm trying to sleep...
Secret Service: Mr. President, it's an assassination attempt, get away from the window sir....
Truman: Where?...let me get my glasses....
So sad for the officer who died. He should receive the Medal of Honor posthumously.
He should have been awarded something for sure. But the MOH is strictly for military action in the face of Action Above and Beyond the call of Duty in Combat. But i completely agree he warrants a high award. Please know I'm saying this in a friendly teaching type moment, in no way as a jerk.
@@jsp7410 Thanks for the info. Didn't realize the particulars of the MOH!
the Congressional Medal is the highest Civilian Honor.
@@trusarmor4957I believe you mean the Congressional gold medal?
@@trusarmor4957 The Congressional Medal of Freedom? I am too lazy to Google the particulars.
Wow, this is totally new to me. You are doing a yeoman's work keeping us educated :)
This makes me wanna watch The Rum Diaries.
Care to explain why?
I happened to be visiting DC and was at Blair house on one of the anniversaries of the Day. Watched when a floral wreath was placed outside in the memory of Leslie Coffelt
Always interesting👍👍👍
Another entertaining and interesting video
Excellent job on the video. I had not heard of this incident.
Thanks for connecting past events to current ones. That's helps to create context, I think. Be well.
Best episode yet!
I appreciate you and thank you for making content.
Great video
Thank you for a well-done history video of a chapter in our history few people know about. I salute you. While these two Puerto Ricans were trying to kill the President, over 3,000 Puerto Ricans were fighting for the USA in the segregated (mostly Puerto Rican) US Army 65th Infantry Regiment in the Korean War. Many Puerto Ricans, including myself have proudly served the USA and many have sacrificed their lives for this country.
Lameculos gr1ng0
Outstanding!
Thank you History Guy
Love your videos
Opens widow...what's all that noise...?? Is that Truman?
Thanks for re-educating our forgetful fellow Americanos! There's more to this than anyone gleaned from West Side Story!
Good program.
Another fantastic episode! Thank you for your hard work!
I'd read about this in David McCullough's book about Truman and I have to admit, even I had almost forgot about it!
I learned about this in AP History and from reading Margaret Truman’s biography of her father in high school. However, I know most people don’t take AP History so I’m not surprised that many people here didn’t know about it.
I read about this many years ago, from a book about the Secret Service.
One bit of trivia to add: This was the last time that the Secret Service returned fire at an assassin before 13 July this year.
Those are also great cuff links. You are dapper as usual.
Truman was a WWI Vet with front line / No Man's Land experience, you think his instincts would have kicked in and he would have been more cautious...
He just woke up from a nap… 40 second gun battle…
I wouldn't think that, no
This documentary is very clarifying. I was confusing this assassination attempt at Blair House in 1950 with the assault on the Congress by Puerto Rican nationalist in 1954. Maybe the latter would be a good episode for The History Guy.
I love all the history you share. Have you given any thought to covering the colonial camp in Southern Illinois from around 1801-1802? cantonment Wilkinson.
I didnt know about this until I red about it in David McCulloughs book on Truman.
I was one month old when that happened, but I don't remember it.
Truman had been an Army officer in WW I, a "steadier than most" politician!
I mentioned on a recent THG video that this channel wasn't covering the historic event that took place last month and THG responded that he wouldn't cover it. Looks like I struck a nerve though because now he is posting videos like this which are clearly a related topic. Guess this would be the next best thing.
@@elgatofelix8917 I do not do current politics, and have been consistent in that. I often deal in historical events brought to mind by current events. That has always been the case with this channel. I am not doing anything differently than I always have.
Please do an episode of Agent Starling and the assassination attempt on Phillipe Petain, thanks.
A young reporter came upon the gun fight by name of Ben Bradlee.
Another great video!
Gun aficionados may observe that “magazine” is the accurate term, rather than “clip.”
That tends to be a pet peeve :)
I had been told - or read - that the assassins were waiting for Truman to conduct one of his various 'constitutionals'; i.e., a daily walk around the local neighborhood with the Secret Service in tow. But this day, he slept late or might have been on the street or in front of Blair House for the shooters to get a better aim at him. 😮