Legislation introduced by Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) naming the U.S. post office in Belmar, NJ in honor of Dr. Walter S. McAfee, a distinguished local scientist who helped with the development of radar transmissions into space, passed the House today.

    “I am thankful that today we are able to honor such a great man and I urge my fellow colleagues to support this bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1300 Main Street in Belmar, New Jersey, as the ‘Dr. Walter S. McAfee Post Office Building,’” Smith said on the Floor of the House during consideration of the legislation.

    “Dr. McAfee was instrumental in the success of Project Diana at U.S. Army Camp Evans, which resulted in the successful transmission of high-frequency radio signals out of the atmosphere, helping to pave the way for the Space Age,” said Smith, who represents Belmar and surrounding towns serviced by the post office on Main Street.   

     Smith said that later on, at Fort Monmouth, McAfee worked to develop sensors used to track enemy movements during the Vietnam War. During the Cold War, he also directed a NATO study on surveillance and target acquisition.

    “He was also the first African-American to be promoted to GS-16 ‘super grade’ civilian status at the U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC), and was later inducted into the AMC Hall of Fame,” Smith added.

    “Throughout his lifetime, his achievements were recognized through the dozens of awards and honors he received for his contributions to science and to the defense of the U.S. and our allies,” Smith said of McAfee.

    “McAfee died in 1995 and he and his wife of 54 years, Viola, who passed away in 2011, are survived by their daughters Diane Mercedes McAfee and Marsha Bera-Morris.” Smith said.

    “He was known for his love of learning, high ethical standards, and good sense of humor,” Smith said.