A pioneering war correspondent who reported from the front lines of World War II and the Korean War, earning a Pulitzer Prize for her courageous and insightful reporting.
Marguerite Higgins was a renowned American reporter and war correspondent who broke glass ceilings in a male-dominated field, earning numerous accolades for her fearless and incisive coverage of major conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Born on September 3, 1920, in Hong Kong to an Irish-American father, Lawrence Higgins, and a mother of French aristocratic descent, Marguerite de Godard Higgins, Marguerite was exposed to the thrill of adventure from a young age. The family's move to Oakland, California, after her father lost his job during the 1929 stock market crash, instilled in her a sense of determination and resourcefulness that would serve her well in her future career.
Higgins' journalism career began in 1942 when she joined the New York Herald Tribune, where she would spend over two decades covering major international conflicts. Her fearless reporting from the front lines of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam earned her numerous awards and recognition, including the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Foreign Correspondence in 1951 for her coverage of the Korean War.
Higgins was a trailblazer for women in journalism, advocating for equal access to war zones and pushing boundaries in a male-dominated field. Her work not only brought attention to the human cost of war but also paved the way for future generations of female journalists. Her advocacy extended beyond the newsroom, as she worked to promote greater understanding and empathy between nations and cultures.
In her autobiography, News Is a Singular Thing, Higgins reflected on her childhood and the anxieties that drove her to pursue a career in journalism. Her personal life was marked by resilience and determination, qualities that inspired countless women to follow in her footsteps. Her legacy extends far beyond her own remarkable achievements, as she continues to inspire and influence generations of journalists, policymakers, and global citizens.
Marguerite Higgins' groundbreaking work and advocacy have had a lasting impact on modern society, shaping the way we understand and engage with international conflict, cultural diversity, and the role of women in journalism and beyond. Her courage, determination, and commitment to telling the stories that need to be told have left an indelible mark on the world of journalism and beyond.
Higgins' remarkable career and achievements place her alongside other trailblazing journalists of her time, including Martha Gellhorn and Clare Boothe Luce. Like these women, Higgins broke barriers and pushed boundaries, expanding the scope of war reporting and inspiring a new generation of journalists.
Marguerite Higgins' life and work serve as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and courage in the face of adversity. Her remarkable story continues to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life, reminding us of the importance of empathy, understanding, and storytelling in promoting global understanding and peace.
Born in 1900
A Pulitzer Prize-winning war correspondent who reported from the front lines, providing intimate and humanizing stories of soldiers during World War II.
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Co-founder of The New Republic, a pioneering journalist and publisher who shaped American political discourse with his influential writings and opinions. He's most known for his insightful commentary on democracy, politics, and society.
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A pioneering journalist and TV personality who wrote a syndicated column and appeared on the popular game show "What's My Line?", known for her wit, charm, and investigative reporting skills.
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Pioneering broadcast journalist who exposed Senator Joseph McCarthy's communist witch hunt, setting a high standard for fearless reporting.
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Legendary news anchor and voice of authority, known for delivering trusted and unbiased reporting during pivotal moments in American history, including the Apollo 11 moon landing.
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Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author who exposed the horrors of war through his writing, most notably with his book "Hiroshima", which told the story of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima from the perspective of six survivors.
Born in 1908
A pioneering war correspondent and novelist who reported on conflicts from the Spanish Civil War to Vietnam, known for her fearless and insightful reporting.
