Legendary newsman Walter Cronkite "the most trusted man in America" dead at 92.
Cronkite died of cerebrovascular disease at 742 PM EDT at his Manhattan home.
Cronkite, who was forced to retire in 1981 held the title "Most Trusted Man in America" during his long tenure as anchor of CBS Evening News before handing over the reigns to Dan Rather.
Cronkite made his name during a WW2 news correspondent for UPI and joined CBS in 1950 as Washington correspondent.
In 1962 he was named anchor of CBS Evening News like many new programs of the era ran only a brief 15 minutes. He was the first full half hour anchor and led CBS to first place in the Nielsens.
Cronkite was an enthusiastic supporter of America’s early efforts in space exploration and often broadcast live from the Cape before launches. His coverage of the moon landing in 1969 was non-stop and seen by most of the then-free world.
He passed just three days before the 40th anniversary of the historic moon landing.
"He had a passion for human space exploration, an enthusiasm that was contagious, and the trust of his audience. He will be missed," first-man-on-the-moon Neil Armstrong said.
Walter had unashamedly wept on-air when handed the teletype news that JFK had died.
"And that’s the way it is…" Cronkite’s classic broadcast end sign off is as entrenched in Americana as apple pie.
Farewell, Uncle Walter.
