ol. Robert Edward Hertzberg -W2DJJ - K4JBI *1905-1992* Bob began in wireless as
2ABK in 1919, at the age of 15 joining the Stuyvesant High School radio club in NYC. Robertat that early age, wrote and illustrated articles on how to build shortwave radio for local newspapers.

CMr. Hertzberg was best known for his contributions to Pilot Radio, literary accomplishments &service to his country. In the late 20's, Robert joined Pilot Radio Corp. and helped design one of themost successful radios of the day, “Super Wasp.” In addition, he worked on the very earliest
television equipment developed in this country. I have wanted input from Bob’s son Paul, with thistribute. Paul obliged in fine style.
Here are some fascinating things we learned. First, Mr. Hertzberg’s
involvement in pioneer Television, his life long family friendship with Pilot
Associate John Geloso I1PT, (developer of the great Italian electronicmanufacturing) - His admiration of Hugo Gernsback, Publisher and beinga managing editor for Hugo’s “Radio News” in 1928. When Paul K2DUX(Bob’s son) was born, Mr. Gernsback was Paul’s Godfather. Finally Bob’s
mission in U.S. Army - World War II..
In early 1942 Bob served as Radio Officer for General Omar Bradley inEngland and was involved in planning the Allied invasion of Europe.
Serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, his duties included operating a large
training school for radio operators. One memorable recollection was escorting Mrs. Eleanor
Roosevelt around the Signal Corps facilities in England. He was also instrumental in helping
establish communication systems that would mislead the Germans regarding allied troop
movements. QST April 1945 Journal, has Col. Robert Hertzberg returning home after 3 years in theETO. (European Theater of Operations)
After the war, Bob became an author-editor &freelance
writer of technical books and magazines. There were alarge influx of ham operators in the period of the 50's
which our subject nurtured. Bob joined the staff ofFawcett Publications and became Editor-in-Chief ofMechanix Illustrated. He also developed another popularmagazine, Electronics Illustrated and contributed articles
to many of the radio magazines of his day.
In 1955 Howard W. Sams and Co. Published the popular
W2DJJ “So You Want To Be a Ham,” which continued
to be updated and published well into the 1960's, introducing thousands of prospects to amateur
radio ranks. He wrote some 40 books and numerous articles. (Our right a K2DUX foto, (L) I1PT
John Geloso and (rt) Robert E. Hertzberg W2DJJ while employed with Pilot Radio.)Bob reminds me of the dedicated family man, as he appeared in those classic, How To Books andmagazines! Complete with cap, but neatly dressed in photo shots. Many stated Bob made a superior
editor & for his knowledge and presentation in photography, wood working, firearms & electricalprojects. He held K4JBI and Florida was home in retirement. Cont.

Many comments are stillfound on the Internet
praising Col Hertzberg
such as; “A book printedby Thomas Y. Crowell
Company, The Radio
Amateurs Handbook.” In
it Bob Hertzberg, with his
wonderfully clear,amusing and personable
voice introduced me, as he had so many others, to ham radio. “I learned the basic principles ofelectronics, as well as elementary receiver, transmitter and antenna theory. I never got theopportunity to thank Mr. Hertzberg and always wanted to write him, thanking him for the wonderfulwork he did nurturing so many thousands of new hams.” I am happy to say his son Paul is still
active in amateur radio and I have expressed these sentiments to him.
Above Electronics Illustrated column header “The Ham Shack” a generation radio hams enjoyedlearning Bob’s communications expertise monthly.
We rest with these last few remarks.
W2DJJ was a member of many amateur
radio groups including Quarter Century
Wireless Association..
In 1983, Robert was honored by the“Radio Club of America,” an organization
founded in 1909 and was made a “Fellow”
for his contributions in the field of radio!
Bob expired, age 87 at Veterans
Administration Hospital in Brooklyn June
30 th 1992, after a brief illness. He issurvived by (then) wife Beatrice
WA2RST, his son Paul K2DUX; grandchildren, Toni, Warren, Randi and Ilene.
Your author didn’t have the opportunity to meet Bob W2DJJ, but I ask, how could a guy with theword “Hertz” in his last name miss in the electronics realm? Bob surely hit the mark and today I
appreciate our friendship with Paul Hertzberg. If you look closely in those articles Paul’s dadwrote, you will see Paul in many photographs. Paul has fond memories of those days including
evaluating Heath Kit equipment and making suggestions in Heath construction manuals with hisdad. Like father, like son, Paul Hertzberg also served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, Korean
Campaign. Paul became K2DUX in 1953. I appreciate his assistance with this article.
W8SU 2008