Fred Johnson Elser, was born in Washington, D.C. in 1906; he was a distinguished radio amateur known for both his military career and his technical and visionary contributions to the world of amateur radio. served with the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army’s Communications-Electronics Command , Elser combined his professional expertise with his hobby, leaving deep marks on the world of radio. He also appears in the history of Turkish amateur radio with the TA3GVU call sign. He also held a DXCC certificate with this call sign. At that time, while amateur radio activities in Turkey had not yet fully settled into a legal status, it is known that foreign officials (generally military or diplomatic personnel) were active.
The Elser-Mathes Cup and the “Mars” Vision
The most interesting legacy of Fred J. Elser in the history of amateur radio is the Elser-Mathes Cup, which he created together with Stanley Mathes in 1928-1929. This cup was the first two-way amateur radio communication between Earth and Mars donated to the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) to be awarded to the operator who accomplishes it.
The cup is a wood-carved work unique to the Philippines and still awaits the day this historic achievement will take place at ARRL Headquarters.
An excerpt from the May 1951 issue of QST Magazine;
TA3GVU Fred published a note of thanks in QST magazine for the devoted assistance he gave to QSL manager W2SN after 2 years of activity. As seen above, the seal of W2SN Yahnel also appears on the backs of the 1949 and 1950 QSL cards. It is also stated that the value of QSL managers, who voluntarily devote great amounts of time, should be appreciated.
An excerpt from the July 1951 issue of QST Magazine;
When Colonel Fred J. Elser visited ARRL headquarters, it was a happy occasion for him. TA3GVU Elser, known by the for the DXCC award had brought his cards with him. While Secretary General A. L. Budlong, W1BUD, was presenting Colonel Elser (foreground, left of center) with his certificate, DXCC members at ARRL headquarters were also watching this moment (left to right: W1s FTX, CEG, IKE, DX, DF, ICP, VG, RWS and TS).
