Presidential assassination attempts
President Truman's Remarks at the Dedication of a Memorial Plaque Honoring Pvt. Leslie Coffelt
President Harry S. Truman's remarks at the dedication of a Memorial Plaque honoring Pvt. Leslie Coffelt. The President spoke at 12:40 p.m. at the Blair House in Washington. In his opening words he referred to Capt. Russell B. Wine, U.S. Army, national president of the National Sojourners. Private Coffelt, a member of the White House Police, was killed during the assassination attempt on the President on November 1, 1950. The plaque was presented by the National Sojourners, a patriotic military Masonic organization. Private Coffelt was a Mason.
President Truman on Morning Walk
An assassination attempt the day before did not keep President Truman from taking his morning walk cane in hand through the streets of downtown Washington, D.C. Flanked by unidentified Secret Service men, the Chief Executive is shown walking down Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House. An automobile is in view beside them.
Leslie Coffelt Funeral Service
President Harry S. Truman (center group, front) and First Lady Bess W. Truman (center group, center) at Arlington National Cemetery, attending funeral services for former United States Army Private Leslie Coffelt of the White House Police Force, who was killed while protecting President Truman from an assassination attempt on November 1. Walking behind President and Mrs. Truman are (left to right) General Robert Landry, General Harry Vaughan, and physician General Wallace Graham. All others are unidentified.
White House Policeman Leslie Coffelt
Leslie Coffelt standing in uniform, a White House guard and member of the White House police. Coffelt was killed by Griselio Torresola in front of Blair House during an assassination attempt on President Harry S. Truman, November 1, 1950.
Leslie Coffelt Funeral Service
The horse drawn cortege bearing the flag-draped coffin of former United States Army Private Leslie Coffelt, a White House policeman who was killed while protecting President Harry S. Truman from an assassination attempt at Blair House on November 1,1950. Location is Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.
President Harry S. Truman Honors Members of White House Police Force
President Harry S. Truman, third from right, decorated the White House Police and Secret Service agents who prevented his assassination at Blair House on November 1, 1950. Left to right: Wounded policemen Private Joseph H. Downs and Private Donald Birdzell; Secretary of the Treasury John Snyder, whose department has jurisdiction over the White House Police and Secret Service; Cressie Coffelt, widow of the slain policeman Leslie Coffelt; Private Joseph O. Davidson; President Truman; and two Secret Service agents, Floyd Boring and Vincent P. Mroz.
Leslie Coffelt Funeral Services
Pallbearers carry the flag-draped casket of Private Leslie Coffelt during funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery. Coffelt, a member of the White House Police Force and formerly in the United States Army, was killed while protecting President Harry S. Truman from an assassination attempt at Blair House on November 1, 1950. Pictured: Secretary of the Interior Oscar Chapman (far right of coffin); Mrs. Ann Chapman (second from right of coffin). All others unidentified.