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.
Watsonville (CA) Register-Pajaronian , by 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.
The Jury
The Jury
Raymond Fanning
Walter Lister
Winners in Public Service
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.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
For its investigation and disclosures of wide spread corruption in the Internal Revenue Bureau and other departments of the government.
1956 Prize Winners
Robert York
For his cartoon, "Achilles" showing a bulging figure of American prosperity tapering to a weak heel labeled "Farm Prices."
Lauren K. Soth
For the editorial inviting a farm delegation from the Soviet Union to visit Iowa, which led directly to the Russian farm visit to the U.S..