This auction is for the following Abraham Bolden Secret Service Agent "Kennedy Detail" RARE autographed cut that has been mated with an unsigned 5x7 inch photograph the black mat measures 8x10 inches.

BIO: Abraham Bolden Secret Service Agent first African American assigned to the White House Detail. Agent Bolden helped foil an assassination attempt on President Kennedy that was to take place on November 2nd after the Army-Air Force football game at Soldiers Field in Chicago. Agent Bolden later published the book "The Echo From Dealey Plaza: The True Story of the First African American on the White House Secret Service Detail and His Quest for Justice After the Assassination of JFK".

In October 1960, Bolden became a member of the United States Secret Service. In June 1961, he was transferred from the Chicago office and given a 30-day temporary assignment in the Presidential Protective Division guarding John F. Kennedy. As a result of this assignment, Bolden had the distinction of being the first African American to guard a U.S. president. According to Michael Torina who was then chief inspector of the Secret Service, Bolden's assignment was routine and "we aren't making anything of it or providing any biographical matter, as is the same for any other agent." Torina added that it was a standard Secret Service practice to rotate newer agents onto the White House detail within the first two years of their service. Bolden's recollection of the circumstances of his White House assignment was slightly different. He said it occurred after he met Kennedy on April 28, 1961 while working an event at the McCormick Place in Chicago. According to Bolden, Kennedy personally invited him to join the White House detail as the first African American to protect the President. Bolden also said that Kennedy once introduced him to others as "the Jackie Robinson of the Secret Service", a comment Bolden found so touching he almost broke into tears. Bolden soon grew disenchanted by his experiences in the Presidential Protective Division. He voluntarily left it after his probationary period ended in July 1961. He later said his decision to leave was a "protest against the poor security being given the president." Bolden returned to Chicago as a field agent in the counterfeiting division where he built a record of success. He "won two commendations for cracking counterfeiting rings". Jet magazine reported that in 1962, he "ranked second in the nation in solving" counterfeit and check forging cases.

THIS IS AN AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED CUT that was been mated with an unsigned in uniform postwar printed 5x7 inch photograph perfect for framing. The black mat measures 8x10 inches. This is one of the last remaining autographs that I have available of him. I am close to being permanently sold out do not miss out on your chance to add this remarkable collectable to your collection. PLEASE NOTE this photograph was printed posted war. I ONLY SELL AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED MEMORABILIA. I do not sell reprints or facsimile autographs. When you bid on my items you get the real deal authentic hand autographed items. You will receive the same item that is pictured in the scan. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. I combine S&H when multiple items are purchased. I ship items internationally. I currently have other rare autographed military and historical signed items available. Please take a look at my other auctions of rare military and historical autographed items.