An esteemed American journalist, known for her coverage of the Vietnam War, has died at age 83.

Anne Morrissy Merick died earlier this week in Naples from complications relating to dementia.

While covering the Vietnam War, Merick successfully challenged an order preventing female journalists from gaining full access to front lines.

The order stated women were not permitted to spend the night on the field with the troops, effectively excluding them from covering extended combat missions.

Merick, together with journalist Ann Bryan Mariano, joined forces with six female journalists and lodged a successful appeal to the Defence Department.

She is survived by her daughter, a sister and four granddaughters.