At this time, the Society of Exploration Geophysicists presents an award which is entirely outside its regular program of recognition of special accomplishment. The recipient, Mr. O. F. Ritzmann, is an old-timer in geophysics, having joined the then very new Gulf Research Department in 1929. His previous career was academic, including B. S. and M. S. degrees at Pennsylvania State College, graduate work in Physics at California Institute of Technology, and teaching at Penn State, Michigan School of Mines, and Lehigh.
     At Gulf, he began in the development of their first reflection seismograph equipment when there were about three traces on 35 mm paper and was in charge of the seismograph instrument section until 1944 when his increasing interest in patents resulted in his transfer to the patent department of the Gulf Oil Corporation in Washington. For the last year he has been back in Pittsburgh as Patent Engineer.
     Mr. Ritzmann has performed a very special service to the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. Since October 1939, our journal, Geophysics, has carried a Patents section consisting of a classified list, with appropriate brief comments, of the recent patents of interest to the members of the Society. This list has run from a few to as many as 50 pages of closely printed type per issue. The amount of labor and the devotion to the Society represented by this section is much greater than is realized by most of our members. The special recognition being granted at this time is, indeed, well deserved.
     Like so many things, the Patents section started in a small way. Originally it was part of a regular operation in the laboratories of the Gulf Research & Development Company, carried out first by Gary Muffly and B. Perkins, Jr., which was generously made available to the Society. When this function was taken over by Mr. Ritzmann in 1942, it was gradually expanded to include the wider interests represented by the members of the SEG. The expansion finally had to be curtailed when Ritzmann found himself burdened with patents on the bus, at home, and at all spare times, which were being perused for the benefit of SEG. The Patent section is a very large chore and the Society should be grateful for its steady accomplishment. Since being taken over by Mr. Ritzmann, the Patents section totals nearly 600 pages, a much greater volume of material than contributed by any other member of the Society.
     It is a pleasure to me to have this opportunity to represent the Society of Exploration Geophysicists by presenting to you, Ritz, this life membership in the Society as a recognition of your service to the Society. May it represent in some small way our appreciation of what you have done for us.

     L. L. Nettleton