A Look Back At The Legendary CBS Newsman Walter Cronkite

CBS Evening News anchor Walter Cronkite was a legend in his—and our—own time. Reporting on everything from presidential elections to the war in Vietnam, Cronkite's homegrown demeanor, silent dignity, and unerring pursuit of the truth, plus a penchant for adventure, made him the legendary public figure he remains to this day.

Click through for a fascinating photo timeline of one of history's rare and irreplacable figures.

Photo Credit: CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images.

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One of the events that put Cronkite on the map: The 1952 Republican and Democratic national conventions, which his colleagues didn't give much heft to. Pictured here: Cronkite at the Democratic convention.

Photo Credit: CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images.

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Three pioneers, shown here in 1960 (from left): Douglas Edwards, Cronkite, and Edward R. Murrow. Cronkite was recruited to CBS by Murrow.

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Cronkite interviews President John F. Kennedy for the Sept. 2, 1963 premiere of Walter Cronkite With The News, later renamed CBS Evening News With Walter Cronkite.

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When Cronkite met with Gen. Creighton Abrams as a part of his reporting on the Tet Offensive for the TV special Report from Vietnam, Abrams told Cronkite that "we ought to find a dignified way out."

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The lunar mission of the Apollo 11, shown here in scale model, made Cronkite break his usual poker face when he uttered "Whew, boy!" upon the landing.

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Filmed 10 days before President Lyndon Johnson's death, Cronkite's interview was referred to as a "superb historical document" by The New York Times.

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On the deck of the Wyntje (pronounced WIN-tee), Cronkite's 60-foot custom sailboat. He wrote three books on sailing in America with illustrator Ray Ellis.

Photo Credit: CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images.

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Cronkite interviewed President Ronald Reagan for a one-hour special. Three days later, on March 6, he uttered, "And that's the way it is" as evening news anchor for the last time. 

Photo Credit: CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images.

Watch CBS Evening News With Jeff Glor Weekdays at 6:30/5:30c on CBS and CBS All Access.