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For disinterested and meritorious public service rendered by a United States newspaper, published daily, Sunday or at least once a week, during the year, a gold medal.

Amarillo (TX) Globe-Times , by Amarillo (TX) Globe-Times

For exposing a breakdown in local law enforcement with resultant punitive action that swept lax officials from their posts and brought about the election of a reform slate. The newspaper thus exerted its civic leadership in the finest tradition of journalism.

The Jury

Newton Aiken

Editor, Baltimore Evening Sun

Theron C. Liddle

Managing Editor, Deseret News, Salt Lake City

V.M. Newton, Jr.

Managing Editor, Tampa Tribune

Dwight Sargent

Editorial Page Editor, New York Herald Tribune

Winners in Public Service

Los Angeles Times

For its thorough, sustained and well-conceived attack on narcotics traffic and the enterprising reporting of Gene Sherman, which led to the opening of negotiations between the United States and Mexico to halt the flow of illegal drugs into southern California and other border states.

Utica (NY) Observer-Dispatch and Utica Daily Press

For their successful campaign against corruption, gambling and vice in their home city and the achievement of sweeping civic reforms in the face of political pressure and threats of violence. By their stalwart leadership of the forces of good government, these newspapers upheld the best tradition of a free press.

Arkansas Gazette

For demonstrating the highest qualities of civic leadership, journalistic responsibility and moral courage in the face of great public tension during the school integration crisis of 1957. The newspaper's fearless and completely objective news coverage, plus its reasoned and moderate policy, did much to restore calmness and order to an overwrought community, reflecting great credit on its editors and its management.

Chicago Daily News

For determined and courageous public service in exposing a $2,500,000 fraud centering in the office of the State Auditor of Illinois, resulting in the indictment and conviction of the State Auditor and others. This led to the reorganization of State procedures to prevent a recurrence of the fraud.

1961 Prize Winners