Book Review
This year (2011) is the 100th birthday of Ronald Reagan and saw a very well written book by his son Ron released. As we learn more about this legendary man, it is natural to want to learn about the day he was nearly killed by John Hinckley, Jr.
The book starts a little slow, telling about Reagan waking up and about his morning schedule. But this part is necessary to show us that this was supposed to be just an ordinary day in the life of a President. Reagan was still new to the Presidentcy and had surrounded himself with aides who all had very different personalities and reactions to crisis.
We also see John Hinckley, Jr. as he prepares for this fateful encounter and get a glimpse of the dark despair he suffered from and the fascination he had with actress Jodi Foster. He had tried once before to shoot a President; planning to shoot Jimmy Carter, but was thwarted by airport security and arrested. Now he is in Washington
The author researched the incident thoroughly and gives us a close-up view of what happened when Hinckley opened fire. From this part on we see that not only is the wounded President a brave man, but there were many other brave men and woman who stepped up and did their duty above and beyond what would be expected. Secret Service agent Timothy McCartney turning towards the shooter and using his body as a shield to try to protect the President, another agent, Jerry Parr, forcing the President in the car and making the decision to take him to the hospital, a decision which saved the President’s life.
Unknown police men and woman clearing a way through the busy traffic so the limo could get Reagan to the hospital quickly.
We see the many doctors and nurses who used all their training and skills to save the President as he was bleeding internally and losing the fight to stay alive.
The President’s personal friend, Lyn Nofziger, who was not well liked by many, who stepped in front of the microphones and gave a frank and honest description of what happened to Reagan and what was going to be done by the doctors. His steady approach to relaying the information to the press corps calmed a fearful nation waiting to hear of the President’s fate.
Mrs. Reagan, full of fear herself, calming her children in the hospital.
We also see the others wounded in the shooting: McCartney, Police officer Delahanty, and Press Secretary Jim Brady. They were treated for the serious wounds inflicted by the exploding bullets and all survived the day.
Rawhide Down should be a “must read” for anyone who wants to see courage in action or just wants to learn more about the darkest day in the life of this charismatic President.
Steve Cram
