safety
A rifle-toting war reporter died with Custer at Little Bighorn 150 years ago
By Mead Gruver, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 25, 2026
· 3 min read
They've died from artillery fire, aircraft crashes, gunfire, disease — even by execution — in conflict zones and elsewhere around the world.Over the 180-year history of The Associated Press, 38 journalists have fallen on the job while working for the independent not-for-profit news organization.T...
Key takeaway Over the 180-year history of The Associated Press, 38 journalists have fallen on the job while working for the independent not-for-profit news organization.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The story of Mark Kellogg, a journalist who died alongside Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer at Little Bighorn, serves as a reminder of the risks journalists take to report on conflict. In San Antonio , where military presence is significant, the safety of journalists covering military operations and conflicts is a concern. Kellogg's experience, carrying a rifle into action and identifying with the soldiers, raises questions about the blurred lines between journalism and participation in conflict. As San Antonio continues to grow as a hub for military and defense activities, the city's journalists may face similar challenges in reporting on sensitive topics while maintaining their neutrality and safety. The legacy of Kellogg, who gave his life to report on a pivotal moment in American history, underscores the importance of supporting and protecting journalists who put themselves in harm's way to bring us the news.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? They've died from artillery fire, aircraft crashes, gunfire, disease — even by execution — in conflict zones and elsewhere around the world.Over the 180-year history of The Associated Press, 38 journalists have fallen on the job while working for the independent not-for-profit news organization.T...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mead Gruver, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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