Donald T. Birdzell; Truman’s Wounded Guard

Donald T. Birdzell, 82, a retired White House guard who was wounded defending President Harry S. Truman during a 1950 assassination attempt. Birdzell was wounded in both knees and disabled for two years in a gunfight with two Puerto Rican nationalists who tried to shoot their way into Blair House in Washington, where Truman was staying while the White House was being renovated. A Secret Service agent and one of the attackers were killed in the battle, which took place while Truman was asleep. Despite his wounds, Birdzell managed to draw his gun and return fire. Truman personally commended him. Birdzell retired as a White House guard with the rank of lieutenant in 1959. On Nov. 9 in Clearwater, Fla.