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.
Chicago Daily News , by 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.
The Jury
The Jury
William S. Dwight
Carlton Johnson
Felix R. McKnight
Winners in Public Service
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.
Whiteville News Reporter and Tabor City Tribune
For their successful campaign against the Ku Klux Klan, waged on their own doorstep at the risk of economic loss and personal danger, culminating in the conviction of over one hundred Klansmen and an end to terrorism in their communities.
1957 Prize Winners
Tom Little
For "Wonder Why My Parents Didn't Give Me Salk Shots?" Published on January 12, 1956.
Buford Boone
For his fearless and reasoned editorials in a community inflamed by a segregation issue, an outstanding example of his work being the editorial entitled, "What a Price for Peace," published on February 7,1956.