The medal's obverse bears bust of Marcellus M. Murdock, quarter right. Around top, MARCELLUS M. MURDOCK; below, 68 YEAS OF SERVICE ··· 1898 - 1966
The reverse bears eagle holding two papers labeled BEACON and EAGLE in talons; symbols representing Kansas' industriousness and Murdock's interests around: oil wells, planes, trains, cow, family, church. Below, Wichita Eagle & Beacon / FOUNDED 1872
As a boy Marcellus M. Murdock (1883-1970) worked in the plant of the Wichita Eagle, the newspaper founded by his father, Col. Marshall Murdock, in 1872. After his 1902 graduation from Wichita High School Marcellus began his professional career in his father's newspaper business. He worked as a reporter and editor before becoming publisher in 1906. His award winning career in the newspaper business lasted more than sixty years. Murdock was a successful businessman in other ventures as well as an accomplished pilot. He first learned to fly at the age of forty-six in 1929 and continued his hobby well into his seventies.
The circular medal measures 89.6mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.
References: MACo 1966-038