Emerson C. Itschner

Who was Emerson C. Itschner?

Emerson Charles Itschner graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1924 and was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers. He obtained a degree in civil engineering from Cornell University in 1926. Itschner served with the Alaska Road Commission in 1927–1929. He taught at the Missouri School of Mines and served as assistant to the Upper Mississippi Valley Division Engineer and the St. Louis District Engineer. He commanded a topographic survey company in 1940–1941. In 1942–1943 Itschner headed the office in Corps headquarters that supervised Army airfield construction in the 48 states. In 1944–1945 he oversaw the reconstruction of ports and the development of supply routes to U.S. forces in Europe as Engineer, ADSEC. Itschner headed the division in Corps headquarters responsible for military construction operations from 1946 to 1949. After a year as Seattle District Engineer, he went to Korea as Engineer of I Corps and oversaw engineer troop operations in western Korea. He was North Pacific Division Engineer in 1952–1953. From 1953 until being appointed Chief of Engineers, he served as Assistant Chief of Engineers for Civil Works. General Itschner retired in 1961. The Itschner Award is given each year by the Society of American Military Engineers in his honor.