'More than just the best and most trusted anchor in history, he guided America through our crises, tragedies and also our victories and greatest moments.'

Cronkite established his legendary reputation with his marathon coverage of the assassination of president John F. Kennedy in 1963. His sympathetic reporting of the civil rights struggle was key in winning over American public opinion, while his conclusion that the Vietnam War was unwinnable in 1968 eroded the support of middle America for the controversial conflict.

Katie Couric, the current anchor of the CBS Evening News, said Cronkite was so trusted 'because he exhibited a sense of purpose and compassion, night after night. He was the personification of excellence.'