Here's a 4/22/02 column by Montgomery Advertiser reporter Al Benn, former Unipresser who organized the Montgomery/Selma reunion:
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JOURNALISM LEGEND MADE IMPRESSION ON MANY
I had never met Don Martin before, but I was looking forward to it because of his legendary status as boss of United Press Internationals news operation in Alabama during the civil rights era of the 1960s.
He left UPI for another state three months before I arrived, and all I knew from those who worked for him was that he was the real thing -- a hard-working, hard-drinking, chain-smoking reporter who could juggle 10 assignments at the same time.
Martin, who was known during his Alabama days as The Wild Man, burned both ends of the candle during the 60s -- endearing himself to some, angering others. He didn't really care who liked him or loathed him, because his job was to get the story first and send it out to the world.
When we began planning our UPI reunion a year ago, his was one of the first names mentioned. Some didn't know where he was living. Others, ho did know, didn't think he'd come.
He's living in a trailer park in Gainesville, Fla., these days and, as I found out, is not in the best of health.
When he learned of the reunion, he didn't hesitate for a moment. He said he would be happy to come. When and where? That's all he asked me.
Some of his former UPI colleagues were floored. They didn't think he'd accept the invitation, and were delighted when they learned he would be coming.
From what I've heard, Don's stopped drinking, smoking and chasing women, said Tony Heffernan, my old UPI boss and one of Martin's friends. I'm glad to hear that.
Since I didn't know what Martin looked like and had only talked to him briefly over the phone, I wasn't sure which one of the early arrivals at the Embassy Suites might be him Friday afternoon when everybody began checking in.
Then, at about 5 p.m., a grumpy-looking guy walked slowly to the registration desk and asked one question -- "Where's the bar?"
"Right behind you," the desk clerk told him.
A few minutes later, all of the UPI participants had checked in, and I had a sneaking suspicion that the man who asked for directions to the bar just might be Don Martin.
I walked over to him. He was smoking a cigarette and enjoying his drink. So much for Tony's reliable source that Martin had given up two of his most enjoyable habits.
I introduced myself to him, but it still didn't seem to ring a bell with Martin, who probably expected one of his old friends to meet him at the registration desk.
"Who are you?" he asked me. I don't remember you.
"You wouldn't, I told him. I came after you left. But, I've always wanted to meet you. You are a UPI legend."
I don't know if that flattered him, but it was a sincere compliment. Don Martin was the Howard Cosell of Alabamas Fourth Estate. He expected those who worked for him to hustle, get there first and make sure what they wrote was factual.
He would never accept second-best, and those at The Associated Press knew they were up against a real pro when Don Martin was around.
Kendall Weaver, who directs Alabamas AP operation, said the late Rex Thomas considered Martin the best of all the UPI reporters he competed against. Thomas was Mr. AP in those days, so his assessment of Martin had to have been quite a tribute.
Martin's been out of the news gathering business for many years, but he hasn't lost his love for his old profession. He became an English professor at Auburn University, but it could hardly provide the kind of rush he got from sending somebody out to cover an important story or just doing it himself.
Before our weekend symposium was over, we all were given photographs of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. We went around and autographed each others copy.
Martin's name was the only one missing. We didn't know where he was. He might have been sleeping late or just headed home early.
I do know one thing - I'm going to get his autograph one day.