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.
Arkansas Gazette , by 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.
The Jury
The Jury
Winners in Public Service
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.
Watsonville (CA) Register-Pajaronian
For courageous exposure of corruption in public office, which led to the resignation of a district attorney and the conviction of one of his associates.
Columbus (GA) Ledger and Sunday Ledger-Enquirer
For its complete news coverage and fearless editorial attack on widespread corruption in neighboring Phenix City, Ala., which were effective in destroying a corrupt and racket-ridden city government. The newspaper exhibited an early awareness of the evils of lax law enforcement before the situation in Phenix City erupted into murder. It covered the whole unfolding story of the final prosecution of the wrong-doers with skill, perception, force and courage.
Newsday
For its expose of New York State's race track scandals and labor racketeering, which led to the extortion indictment, guilty plea and imprisonment of William C. DeKoning, Sr., New York labor racketeer.
1958 Prize Winners
Douglas Southall Freeman with John Alexander Carroll and Mary Wells Ashworth
Volume VII was finished by Carroll and Ashworth following Freeman's death in 1953. However, the $500 Prize was given to Freeman's estate.
Bruce M. Shanks
For "The Thinker," published on August 10, 1957, depicting the dilemma of union membership when confronted by racketeering leaders in some labor unions.
Harry S. Ashmore
For the forcefulness, dispassionate analysis and clarity of his editorials on the school integration conflict in Little Rock.