LOS ANGELES – Peter Arnett, a reporter known for his courage and dedication in bringing news from war zones, has passed away at the age of 91. He won a Pulitzer Prize in 1966 for his reporting on the Vietnam War for The Associated Press.
Arnett’s son, Andrew Arnett, shared that his father died in Newport Beach while surrounded by loved ones after battling prostate cancer.
Edith Lederer, a fellow reporter who worked with Arnett in Vietnam, remembered him as a brave and talented writer. His work, both in print and on television, will continue to inspire future journalists and historians, she said.
Arnett gained widespread recognition in 1991 when he provided live updates for CNN from Iraq during the Gulf War.
Despite facing danger, Arnett remained in Baghdad to report on the U.S.-led attack. He calmly described the missile strikes and air-raid sirens from his hotel room, providing firsthand accounts as bombs fell on the city.
Reporting from Vietnam:
Arnett’s career was marked by his commitment to reporting from conflict zones.
In Vietnam, he witnessed the harsh realities of war when a U.S. battalion commander was killed by enemy fire while standing next to him. Arnett vividly described the event, highlighting the unpredictable nature of war.
Before his time in Vietnam, Arnett worked as a correspondent in Indonesia.
Arnett’s dedication to preserving history led him to save important papers from the AP’s Saigon bureau during the Vietnam War, which are now part of the AP’s archives.
Arnett joined CNN in 1981, where he covered the Gulf War and interviewed leaders like Saddam Hussein.
Later in his career, Arnett faced controversy for his comments on the U.S. military’s strategy during the second Gulf War.
After retiring from journalism, Arnett taught at China’s Shantou University.
Peter Arnett’s career began at his local newspaper in New Zealand.
Arnett is survived by his wife, Nina Nguyen, and their children, Elsa and Andrew.
Nick Ut, a photographer who worked with Arnett in Vietnam, mourned the loss of his friend and colleague.
