FBI Reportedly Destroyed Cronkite Records

The "Most Trusted Man in America" may not have had too many fans in the FBI.

According to a report in USA Today, the FBI destroyed its files on Walter Cronkite, the legendary CBS News anchor who died in July at the age of 92 - even thought the bureau is supposed to preserve historically important records.

Complete coverage of Walter Cronkite from CBSNews.com

The paper requested Cronkite's files under the Freedom of Information Act after his death, but was notified that some of the records pertaining to the newsman were destroyed on October 2007.

It's not the first time the FBI has eradicated records on famous figures, according to the report - files on civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks were also destroyed, the Detroit News reported in 2006.

The practice of destroying records has come under fire from journalists and historians eager to examine potential subjects through the lens of the FBI.