Larry Buendorf was a Secret Service agent who wrestled a gun away from a would-be assassin intent on killing President Gerald Ford (1913–2006).
- Died: March 9, 2025 (Who else died on March 9?)
- Details of death: Died in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the age of 87.
- We invite you to share condolences for Larry Buendorf in our Guest Book.
Larry Buendorf’s legacy
Buendorf was, in his own words, “in the right place at the right time.” As a five-year Secret Service agent on detail in 1975, he wrestled a malfunctioning gun away from would-be assassin Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme as she tried to kill President Gerald Ford in Sacramento, California’s capital. Buendorf grabbed the weapon, wrestled it from her hand, and brought her to the ground. He was awarded the U.S. Treasury Meritorious Service Award and the United States Secret Service Valor Award for his diligence.
He already had a career of brave service behind him by then. After graduating from Mankato State University in 1959 with a business degree, Buendorf served as a pilot in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Upon exiting the military in 1970, he applied for positions at the FBI and the Secret Service – and on the same day, both selected him. Opting for the Secret Service, Buendorf was with its Presidential Protective Division from 1972 to 1977 and continued to serve in various capacities before retiring from the agency in 1993. This included a detail for his final decade there, during which he was once again tasked with protecting Ford.
He and Ford maintained a relationship for the rest of the former president’s days. They often spoke by phone on the anniversary of their fortunate day and occasionally skied together.
After 23 years at the Secret Service, Buendorf became chief security officer of the United States Olympic Committee, a post he held for 25 years, until 2018.
Notable quote
“If I had been looking someplace else, who knows how history would have changed.” — interview for the President Gerald R. Ford Oral History Project, 2010
Tributes to Larry Buendorf
Full obituary: The New York Times
