Years of service 1924–1961 Died March 15, 1995 | Name Emerson Itschner Rank Lieutenant General | |
 | ||
Born July 1, 1903
Chicago, Illinois ( 1903-07-01 ) Allegiance United States of America Commands held Chief of Engineers (1956–1961) Battles/wars World War II
Korean War Awards Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit (4)
Bronze Star
Purple Heart Education Cornell University, United States Military Academy | ||
Service/branch United States Army Battles and wars World War II, Korean War | ||
Emerson Charles Itschner (July 1, 1903 in Chicago, Illinois, United States – March 15, 1995) 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 (Advance Section, Communications Zone). 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.
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart.