Walter Cronkite's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 11, 2026

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Walter Cronkite. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Walter Cronkite was a highly respected American broadcast journalist, best known as the anchorman for the CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981. His tenure as anchor coincided with major historical events, including the Vietnam War, the moon landing, and the Watergate scandal. He earned the moniker "the most trusted man in America" due to his perceived objectivity and integrity. Cronkite's calm and authoritative presence made him a pivotal figure in American journalism, influencing public opinion and shaping the role of the news anchor. He received numerous awards for his contributions to journalism.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1967: CBS Evening News Surpasses Huntley-Brinkley Report

In 1967, the CBS Evening News, anchored by Walter Cronkite, began to surpass The Huntley-Brinkley Report in viewership during the summer months.

1968: Awarded Carr Van Anda Award

In 1968, the faculty of the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University voted to award Walter Cronkite the Carr Van Anda Award "for enduring contributions to journalism."

July 20, 1969: Cronkite's Coverage of Apollo 11 Lunar Landing

On July 20, 1969, Walter Cronkite covered the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission. He put the first men on the Moon. He was visibly enthusiastic, rubbing his hands together on camera with a smile.

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1969: Start of Apollo Expeditions

From 1969 to 1972, NASA presented Walter Cronkite with a Moon rock sample originating from the early Apollo expeditions, marking a significant honor.

1969: Cronkite Covers Apollo 11 Moon Mission

In 1969, during the Apollo 11 Moon mission, Walter Cronkite's coverage resulted in the best ratings and made CBS the most-watched television network.

1970: Received George Polk Award and Paul White Award

In 1970, Walter Cronkite received a "Freedom of the Press" George Polk Award and the Paul White Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association.

1970: CBS Evening News Dominates TV News Audience

In 1970, after Chet Huntley's retirement, the CBS Evening News, anchored by Walter Cronkite, dominated the American TV news viewing audience.

1972: End of Apollo Expeditions

From 1969 to 1972, NASA presented Walter Cronkite with a Moon rock sample originating from the early Apollo expeditions, marking a significant honor.

1972: Awarded the James Madison Award for Distinguished Public Service

In 1972, Princeton University's American Whig-Cliosophic Society awarded Walter Cronkite the James Madison Award for Distinguished Public Service.

1977: Elected to American Antiquarian Society

In 1977, Walter Cronkite was elected to membership in the American Antiquarian Society.

1981: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 1981, former president Jimmy Carter awarded Walter Cronkite the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He also received the S. Roger Horchow Award and the Paul White Award.

1985: Induction into Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame

In 1985, Walter Cronkite was honored with the induction into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame.

1986: Cronkite Finalist for NASA's Journalist in Space Program

In 1986, Walter Cronkite was a finalist for NASA's Journalist in Space program. The project was suspended after the Challenger disaster.

1989: Received Four Freedoms Award for the Freedom of Speech

In 1989 Walter Cronkite received the Four Freedoms Award for the Freedom of Speech.

1990: Minor Planet 6318 Cronkite Named

In 1990, Minor planet 6318 Cronkite, discovered by Eleanor Helin, was named in honor of Walter Cronkite.

1994: Elected to American Philosophical Society

In 1994, Walter Cronkite was elected to the American Philosophical Society.

1995: Received Ischia International Journalism Award

In 1995, Walter Cronkite received the Ischia International Journalism Award.

1999: Acceptance of Norman Cousins Global Governance Award

In 1999, Walter Cronkite accepted the Norman Cousins Global Governance Award at the United Nations ceremony.

1999: Received Rotary National Award for Space Achievement's Corona Award

In 1999, Walter Cronkite received the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement's Corona Award in recognition of a lifetime of achievement in space exploration.

2003: Elected Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

In 2003, Walter Cronkite was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

2003: Honored by Vienna Philharmonic

In 2003, Walter Cronkite was honored by the Vienna Philharmonic with the Franz Schalk Gold Medal for his contributions to the New Year's Concert and the cultural image of Austria.

2003: Cronkite Nominated for Daytime Emmy for Liberty's Kids

In 2003, Walter Cronkite was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series for his role in Liberty's Kids, but did not win.

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2004: Cronkite Nominated for Daytime Emmy for Liberty's Kids

In 2004, Walter Cronkite was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series for his role in Liberty's Kids, but he did not win.

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March 1, 2006: Received NASA's Ambassador of Exploration Award

On March 1, 2006, Walter Cronkite became the first non-astronaut to receive NASA's Ambassador of Exploration Award.

2006: Presenting Walter Cronkite Faith and Freedom Award

In 2006, Walter Cronkite presented the Walter Cronkite Faith and Freedom Award to George Clooney at The Interfaith Alliance annual dinner in New York.

2007: CBS Special Honoring Cronkite's 90th Birthday

In 2007, CBS-TV aired a special honoring Walter Cronkite's 90th birthday, where the story of his January 22, 1973 broadcast reporting on the death of Lyndon B. Johnson was re-told.