The Times’ 1942 Pulitzer Prize
The Los Angeles Times won its first Pulitzer Prize in 1942: the gold medal “for the most disinterested and meritorious public service of any American newspaper in 1941 for its successful fight — which went to the United States Supreme Court” — in a freedom-of-the-press case. Top managers and editors had been fined for being in contempt of court for publishing details of ongoing court cases. In Bridges v. California, the high court found that to be a violation of the First Amendment.
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On a front page dominated by news of World War II — “R.A.F. Blasts Nazis Again”; “Many From Los Angeles Listed as War Casualties”; “Sugar Ration Books Issued to Thousands” — The Times also ran two stories about its award. Under the headline “Court Marks End of Fight,” the paper recounted the four-year court battle’s end on the same day, coincidentally, that the Pulitzer was awarded. An editorial accepting the ... 
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The Los Angeles Times published congratulatory messages it received from the newspapering world. The New York Times called the Los Angeles Times a “defender of the freedom of the press against judicial arrogance.” 
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From the article: “From the trustees of Columbia University in New York City The Times yesterday received its diploma emblematic of its Pulitzer Prize in journalism ‘for the most disinterested and meritorious public service rendered by an American newspaper during the year 1941.’ “In peacetime the winner is presented a gold medal, but because of the war this custom was dropped. Until victory, at least, the honor must be indicated ... 
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