The Press: The Price of Freedom

As James V. Forrestal was buried with military honors in Arlington National Cemetery (see NATIONAL AFFAIRS), the nation's press reflected on the vitriolic attacks made on the nation's first Secretary of National Defense. Commentators Drew Pearson and Walter Winchell, who had jabbed away at Forrestal for relentless months in syndicated columns and Sunday-night broadcasts, found themselves the attacked instead of the attackers.

An Oblique Reply. Hatchetman Westbrook Pegler, in no position to strike the first blow, nevertheless struck the hardest one. Wrote Pegler: "For months, Drew Pearson and Walter Winchell hounded Jim Forrestal...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!