The Pittsburgh Press (March 12, 1944)
Marshall orders aid for newsmen
Washington (UP) – (March 11)
The War Department today directed that in cases of future domestic disasters or emergencies involving military personnel, an Army Public Relations Officer shall be dispatched to the scene to “assist the legitimate activities of the representatives of news agencies who are present.”
The order, signed by Gen. George C. Marshall, Chief of Staff, said the public is entitled to all news which does not adversely affect the war effort and that activities by newsmen toward that end “are to be respected by military personnel.”
The action apparently resulted from complaints that Army personnel had interfered with reporters at the scene of some accidents.