Look what I got. Be jealous. Be very jealous.
This is ““Who’s Who in the Secret Service: History’s Most Renowned Agents,” written by my friend Vince Palamara .
For you JFK readers: How many times have you wanted to be able to quickly look up a Secret Service agent from the JFK era? Or have you ever wondered who the most renowned Secret Service agents are in other time periods? We know the names of the agents who were around JFK. But do you know about the agents who were protecting Reagan when he was shot?
Of course, these are Vince Palamara’s choices for “the most renowned” honor. (Or is it an “honor” to be known for losing a President to an assassin?) But who better to make those selections than Vince, who has made it his life’s work to learn all he can about the Secret Service & those who filled its ranks.
Vince has spoken with several of the agents that you’ll encounter in this book. He’s corresponded with many. And he’s been vilified (unfairly, I believe) & shunned by a couple as well. Vince knows some family members, friends, & children of Secret Service agents who have shared insights over the years with Vince. These contacts with the real people of the SS gift Vince with an added depth of understanding that serves him well when he writes about them.
I was interested in reading about the first female & 23rd Director of the Secret Service, Julia Pierson. Now, I kind of wish I had not. She served one of the shortest tenure of any DIR/SS — about 1.5 years— before resigning. But that’s one of the greatest charms of this book. It’s not a glamorized account of these very accomplished people. And it’s not an indictment of them either. It’s balanced while it holds them accountable. We see the honor, dignity & heroism along side of the mistakes, some of which have been immense, even perhaps— unforgivable.
However, one thing that comes through loud & clear in this book (as well as Vince’s other books) is the high esteem in which Vince holds the Secret Service. He admires these men & women & stands in awe of their dedication & loyalty. Well, most of them, anyway. Sometimes people might not be a great fit for these positions, & Vince doesn’t pull any punches with those who do not.
The book culminates with an appendix of documents along with an engaging read of Vince’s own comments about the JFK assassination. (No spoilers; you’ll have to get the book.) If you’re interested in just a few specific agents or presidents or even a few mentions of Bebe Rebozo, the book includes an Index, an oft neglected but most necessary tool with a book like this.
Vince has become a go-to person for insights & information about the Secret Service. Get his book. You won’t be disappointed.
I think Vince has a few author’s copies left; hit him up. (Ask him to autograph it.) Amazon has the book available for pre-order; it will be released on September 1st.
“Who’s Who in the Secret Service: History’s Most Renowned Agents,” by Vince Palamara.
(Vince mentions me in this book too. Don't ask; no spoilers.)
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