Monthly Archives: May 2012

First Purple Heart for Working Reporter

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Bob Stepno

For Memorial Day, part 2: United Press correspondent Leo S. Disher Jr. became the first combat reporter awarded the Purple Heart — citing “extraordinary heroism and meritorious performance of duty” for action on a day in November 1942 that started … Continue reading →

Posted in 1940s, foreign correspondents, World War II | 4 Comments

Soldier of the Press wins medal, launches series

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Bob Stepno

For Memorial Day weekend listening and reading: Veteran United Press reporter Henry T. Gorrell flew on an October 1942 bomber mission over Navarino Bay in Greece, wound up serving as a medic for shrapnel-scarred fliers — and had his experience … Continue reading →

Posted in 1940s, foreign correspondents, reporters, World War II | Leave a comment

A woman with a scoop

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Bob Stepno

“Scoop? You couldn’t scoop the insides out of a cantaloupe.” — her editor. The 1935 Bette Davis film promoted by that trailer, Front Page Woman, was brought to radio four years later with Paulette Goddard in the title role and … Continue reading →

Posted in 1930s, reporters, women | Leave a comment

Newspaper says Yale cheats; Merriwell to the rescue

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Bob Stepno

Last time it was scrappy Boston reporters heading for Connecticut to cover Yale-Harvard baseball. This week we jump to another sport and season, to watch an investigative New Haven newspaperman get the scent of a sports scandal for a Front … Continue reading →

Posted in 1900s, 1940s, adaptations, ethics, journalism, newspapers, reporting, sports | Leave a comment