Lem Johns: Secret Service Man- dvd review
I was quite impressed with this movie/ dvd- great use of films and photos, many of which are previously unreleased, as well as the obvious love and care put into this production. This is an informative, moving tribute to the esteemed former Secret Service agent Thomas L "Lem" Johns. In addition to lengthy, thought-provoking interviews with the man himself, we are also treated to interviews with Lem's wife of over 65 years, Nita, as well as former agents Joseph Novak and Terry Oden.
Known for his presence in Dealey Plaza on 11/22/63 when JFK was assassinated, Johns offers some surprising and interesting revelations about exactly where he thought the shots were coming from that day, as well as the notion that he was allegedly the "agent" of unknown repute on the knoll. In addition, we learn about Lem's pre-agency career as an Alcohol and Tax (later known as the ATF) agent, as well as his illustrious Secret Service career protecting Ike, Nixon, JFK, and, of course, LBJ. There is much to learn and admire in this entertaining presentation, an obvious labor of love for the producer (s).
As well as his own legacy, Lem's son Jeff served 20 years in the Secret Service and now works for the Department of Homeland Security, while Lem's grandson Michael has been in the Secret Service for over 15 years now; impressive. I spoke to Lem on the phone in 2004 and I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the living legacy he has bestowed upon the agency. There have been Johns in the Secret Service since the 1950's!
You can do no wrong in purchasing this extremely well done dvd. I am very glad I did! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BNL5CMG/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img
knoll: "I thought that's where it [the shots] was coming from"; "the sound came from the right. I just assumed that that's where the shooting was taking place from that location"; after the second shot: "car slowed up. We were going too slow."
Adamantly refutes the notion that he was the "agent" on the knoll: "absolutely not"; he stood in the street for a minute or less to hitch a ride- did not go to the knoll. Hitched a ride with a press car
Haldeman and Erlichmann adamantly wanted Johns fired in early 1969 (from his position as Assistant Director)
I spoke with Trask years ago about Lem's claims.
ReplyDeleteThey do not pass the sniff test.
Lem did not stand in the street for a second let alone a minute or so.
He did not ride in any convertible press car.
Wiegman fibbed. Lem was never in his press car. This Trask verified as we have pictures of Wiegman and everyone in that car, no Lem.
This was a bs story and somehow Lem jumps from Varisty and is not seen in the plaza or captured on film.
I would think a SS agent jumping from a moving auto and even standing still would have been mentioned by one of the many spectators lining Houston or Elm.
So please show me an account of this by a witness. It did not happen as Lem said or as we've been told. Why the obfuscation? Simple its a cover story. We only know Lem showed up at Parkland, due to other SS agents saying that is where Lem met them.
Only photo we have is when Lem is at the back of AF1.
I do not believe his actions are accounted for from the time he jumped till he shows up later. No three wheeler officer made a report about giving an agent a lift from the Trade Mart to Parkland.
Lem's story is full of holes and not believable.
No one mentioned following Lem on a three wheeler with a DPD traffic cop leading the media parade from Trade Mart to Parkland
ReplyDeleteno one...
Certainly the camera car boys would have snap ONE photo of this
Or anyone already at Parkland would have noticed the convoy and again taken film photos ...
I don't buy Lem standing on Elm for 2 to 3 minutes.
HIGHLY UNLIKELY for Mr motivated.
Everything screams to me Lem ran to the DalTex or behind pergola to parking area
Lem lied