Hugh Hough

Hough was born in Sandwich, Illinois on April 15, 1924, to parents Forrest and Lila Hough.^[1] He attended the University of Illinois School of Journalism for his Bachelor of Arts degree.^[2] He met his future wife Ellen Marie Wasemann while at the University of Illinois and during the War she worked as a Junior Clerk-Typist in the university's Library School office.^[3]

Once World War II broke, Hough joined the United States Air Force from 1943 to 1945.^[1] He served in the 465th Bombardment Group as a staff sergeant.^[4]

Upon returning, Hough joined the staff at the Chicago Sun-Times in 1952, after working as a sports editor at the Dixon Evening Telegraph.^[5] In 1974, his reporting with Art Petacque uncovered new evidence that led to the reopening of the 1966 murder of Valerie Percy, earning them the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting.^[6]

He eventually died on April 18, 1986, due to illness.^[2] Upon his death, the University of Illinois created a scholarship fund in his name for students enrolled in their College of Communications.^[7]