Electrical Engineering Hall of Fame: John R. Pierce [Scanning Our Past]

The recipient of the Edison Medal in 1963 was John R. Pierce (Fig. 1). He was cited "for his pioneer work and leadership in satellite communications." The citation also noted "his stimulus and contributions to electron optics, traveling-wave tube theory, and the control of noise in electron streams." He later became one of a select few to receive both prestigious awards when the IEEE presented its Medal of Honor to him in 1975 (Fig. 2). He spent most of his professional career in research and research management at the Bell Telephone Laboratories. He was a prolific author of technical books and articles and received more than 90 patents for inventions.