Striper Spotlight: Herbert Mitgang
A Legacy of Journalism and History
Herbert Mitgang, an American journalist, author, and editor whose literary career was profoundly shaped by his service during World War II. From the front lines to the editorial boards of The New York Times, his work remains a cornerstone of 20th-century American letters.
Wartime Journalism: The “Stars and Stripes” Years
During World War II, Mitgang served as an Army intelligence officer, but he is best remembered for his work in military journalism. He served as managing editor of the Stars and Stripes newspaper in the Mediterranean theater, overseeing the Oran-Casablanca and Sicily editions.
His time in the service provided him with a unique vantage point on the global conflict—an experience he later immortalized in his memoir, Newsmen in Khaki: Tales of a World War II Soldier Correspondent. The book is a firsthand account of the logistical challenges, pressures, and camaraderie experienced by correspondents on the front lines.
Literary Legacy and The New York Times
Following his military service, Mitgang began a tenure at The New York Times, where he spent nearly five decades His body of work reflects a deep dedication to historical research:
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Lincoln Scholar: Mitgang became a preeminent voice in Abraham Lincoln studies. His works, such as Lincoln As They Saw Him and The Fiery Trial: A Life of Lincoln, are highly regarded for their meticulous documentation and insight into the 16th president’s life.
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Investigative History: He authored Dangerous Dossiers, an influential investigation into the FBI’s surveillance of prominent American writers and intellectuals during the mid-20th century.
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Advocacy for Writers: Throughout his life, Mitgang was a fierce protector of authors’ rights. He served as the president of the Authors Guild, working to ensure that writers were fairly represented and supported throughout their careers.
By bridging the gap between his frontline reporting and his later career as a cultural critic and historian, Herbert Mitgang helped preserve the essential history of both the military press and the American experience.