Monday, February 23, 2026

Frank Wills: The Security Guard Who Unlocked Watergate (And Was Left Behind)

On the night of June 17, 1972, a seemingly ordinary security guard named Frank Wills was making his rounds at the Watergate Hotel complex. What he discovered that night would unravel a presidency, reshape American political history, and forever link his name to one of the nation's biggest scandals. Yet, despite playing such a pivotal role, Frank Wills largely faded into obscurity, a stark contrast to the fame and accolades bestowed upon others involved in breaking the Watergate story.

The Man Behind the Discovery

Frank Wills was born in Savannah, Georgia, in 1948. He moved to Washington D.C. in the early 1970s, seeking opportunity. He eventually found work as a security guard at the sprawling Watergate complex, a job that put him in the right place at the right time – or perhaps, the wrong place at the right time, depending on your perspective.

The Fateful Discovery

It was during his routine patrol of the Watergate office building, specifically the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters, that Wills noticed something amiss. He observed a piece of tape on a door lock, preventing it from latching properly. Thinking little of it at first, he removed the tape.


Later, on another round, he noticed the same lock had been re-taped. This time, his suspicions were fully aroused. Instead of simply removing it again, Wills contacted the police. This seemingly small act of diligence led to the arrest of five men inside the DNC offices, caught in the act of burglarizing and wiretapping. Those arrests were the thread that, when pulled by determined journalists, unraveled the entire Watergate scandal.

A Legacy Overlooked

Despite his critical role, Wills' story is often a footnote in the grand narrative of Watergate. He testified in court and his actions were crucial to the initial break in the case. Yet, the spotlight shone brightest on others.

Did He Talk to Woodward and Bernstein?

While Wills' initial police report was a crucial piece of the puzzle for Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, it's not widely reported that he had extensive direct conversations with them in the early days of their investigation. Their reporting largely built upon official documents, court proceedings, and anonymous sources like "Deep Throat." Wills's contribution was foundational, but his direct interaction with the famous duo appears to have been limited compared to their other sources.

Credit vs. Obscurity

The disparity in recognition between Wills and journalists like Woodward and Bernstein is a poignant aspect of the Watergate story. Woodward and Bernstein earned Pulitzers, wrote best-selling books, and became household names, revered for their investigative journalism. Wills, on the other hand, received a modest raise and eventually left his security job.

Several factors likely contributed to this:

  • Narrative Focus: The media narrative often gravitates towards the "detectives" who piece together the clues, rather than the initial discoverer of a single clue.

  • Socioeconomic Factors: Wills was a Black security guard with limited formal education, while Woodward and Bernstein were white, college-educated journalists at a prestigious newspaper. Societal biases unfortunately played a role in whose story was amplified.

  • Systemic Issues: Wills' role, while crucial, was seen by some as simply doing his job, while the journalists actively pursued and exposed a cover-up at the highest levels of government.

Quotes from Frank Wills

Wills himself was often reflective about his role and the subsequent lack of recognition.

  • "Everybody says, ‘Well, he’s famous.’ I say, ‘For what?’ What good is fame if you don’t have fortune?" - The Washington Post, 1997.

  • "I’m still driving around in the same raggedy car." - The Washington Post, 1997.

  • "I guess I’ll go to my grave saying I just don’t understand. I just don’t understand why my life ended up the way it did." - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 2000.

What Happened to Him?

After the initial burst of attention, Frank Wills struggled to find stable employment. He worked various odd jobs, including as a security guard, and even had a brief stint playing himself in a low-budget movie. He faced financial difficulties and health problems throughout his life.

In 1990, he returned to his hometown of Augusta, Georgia, to care for his ailing mother. He eventually sold his story rights for a meager sum, further highlighting the financial struggles he faced despite his historical significance.

Frank Wills passed away in 2000 at the age of 52 due to a brain tumor. His passing brought a renewed, albeit brief, moment of reflection on his overlooked contribution to American history.

Legacy

Frank Wills's legacy is a complex one. He is undeniably the person who stumbled upon the initial evidence that cracked open the Watergate scandal. His diligence prevented a cover-up from starting unnoticed. His story serves as a powerful reminder of how ordinary individuals can play extraordinary roles in history. It also stands as a testament to the often-unequal distribution of credit and recognition, particularly for those from marginalized backgrounds, even when their actions prove to be profoundly impactful.

Sources:

  • "Frank Wills, 52, Watchman at Watergate, Dies" - The New York Times, September 28, 2000. Available via NYT Archives (Subscription may be required).

  • "Watergate's Unsung Hero: Frank Wills" - The Washington Post, June 17, 1997. Available via Washington Post Archives (Subscription may be required).

  • "The Man Who Discovered Watergate" - CNN, September 28, 2000. CNN Article.

  • "All the President's Men" - Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. While not directly about Wills, this book details the investigation that stemmed from his discovery. Available at major booksellers.

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