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JoHN H. Mcelroy
1936–2007
elected in 1998
“For the development and applications of laser technology to
space-based geodesy, atmospheric science, and communications.”
BY BILL D. CARROLL, FRANK L. LEWIS, AND JOHN J. MILLS
sUBMiTTed By THe Nae HoMe secreTary
J oHN H. Mcelroy—engineer, educator, and scientist—
died of a heart attack at his home in las Vegas, Nevada, on
september 14, 2007, at the age of 71.
John was born on June 27, 1936, in Marion, ohio. He
attended elementary school and junior high in Marion and was
well known in the local library from an early age. His hobbies
were reading and football. John’s high school education was
obtained at culver Military academy where he graduated in
1954 and entered the U.s. army as a lieutenant. at culver, John
showed interests in english, history, science, art, and sports.
He lettered in varsity baseball. His interest and preparation in
these areas were certainly evident in his life and his work.
John served in the 11th airborne infantry unit in the United
states and overseas until 1957. While serving in germany,
John met his future wife, ellie, and they were married on
March 18, 1957. from 1957 to 1963, he was senior instructor
and technical writer at the U.s. army air defense school, in
fort Bliss, Texas, and was twice named instructor of the year.
in addition to teaching, John wrote several student texts that
were translated into seven languages for use in the United
states and abroad.
following his military service, John enrolled in the
University of Texas at austin and earned a bachelor of science
degree in electrical engineering in 1966. While pursuing his
baccalaureate degree, John worked in the Quantum electronics
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304 MeMorial TriBUTes
research laboratory, where he did research on laser-induced
ionization of high-pressure gases. later he pursued graduate
studies part time at catholic University of america and earned
a master’s of electrical engineering degree in 1973 and a Ph.d.
in 1978.
John began a career with the National aeronautics and
space administration (Nasa) in 1966 at the goddard space
flight center. over the years he served in various capacities at
goddard, including senior physicist and electronics engineer,
head of the laser Heterodyne systems section, and head
of the electro-optics and laser Technology branches. He
directed research on laser communications systems, tracking
and radiometry, and advanced satellite communications
technology. from 1979 to 1980, John served as director of the
Communications Division, Office of Space and Terrestrial
applications, at Nasa Headquarters, where he directed the
revitalization of NASA’s communications R&D program. John
returned to goddard in 1980 as deputy director and served in
that capacity until 1982.
John served as the assistant administrator for satellites
for the National oceanic and atmospheric administration
(Noaa) from 1982 to 1985. at Noaa he directed the national
program in civil operational earth observation satellites,
including responsibilities for landsats-4 and -5, the Tiros
series of polar-orbiting satellites, and the goes series of
geostationary satellites.
John joined Hughes aircraft in 1985 as director of special
projects for the space and communications group. He served
as vice president for technology of Hughes communications
from 1986 to 1987. While vice president, John led a corporate
venture on mobile satellite communications that later became
the american Mobile satellite corporation. during this
time period, he was also senior editor of Space Science and
Applications, a publication of the institute of electrical and
electronics engineers’ aerospace and electronic systems
society.
from 1987 to 1996, John served as dean of the college of
engineering at the University of Texas at arlington, overseeing
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JoHN H. Mcelroy
a sustained period of growth in both student enrollment and
research programs. He then served as UT arlington’s vice
provost for research and as dean of graduate studies from
1996 to 1997. He returned to the classroom, teaching electrical
and industrial engineering courses until his retirement in May
2000.
a noted authority on space sciences, John was frequently
called on to serve as an advisor on investigatory committees
and commissions. He was a member of the space studies Board
of the National academies and the advisory committee on
the future of U.s. space Programs and coauthored the center
for strategic and international studies report A More Effective
Civil Space Program with co-chair Brent scowcroft.
John was recognized by several professional organizations
for his technical knowledge and service. He was a fellow
of the institute of electrical and electronics engineers, the
american institute of aeronautics and astronautics (aiaa),
and the Washington academy of sciences and a member of
the National academy of engineering. in addition, he was
presented with a Nasa first space shuttle flight achievement
award and Medallion, a Nasa apollo achievement award
and Medallion, a silver Medallion from the Brazilian institute
for space research, a Bronze Medallion from the soviet
Merchant Marine, and the german space agency Medallion
(for founding and chairing the international committee on
earth observation satellites). in 1997, aiaa awarded John
the International Cooperation Award “for creative leadership
in the planning, negotiation, and execution of international
participation in major U.s. space applications Programs.”
John was deeply respected and highly regarded for his
personal values and the sense of warmth and friendship that
he shared with all who knew him. He was above all a person
of integrity and high standards.
John is survived by his wife, eleonore (ellie) Mcelroy.
They were a devoted and inseparable couple over the 50 years
of their marriage.
John is buried at the Veterans Memorial cemetery in
Boulder city, Nevada.
