Captain Emil H. Kirsch was born October 30, 1900, in Chamberlain, South Dakota. He attended the University of Minnesota and later graduated from South Dakota State School of Mines and Technology in June 1924 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. Captain Kirsch was appointed as a Deck Officer on July 11, 1925, and was commissioned as an Ensign on March 26, 1926.

During his 33-year career, Captain Kirsch had various sea assignments that included serving aboard the following ships: SURVEYOR, PATHFINDER, HYDROGRAPHER as Accounting Officer, GUIDE as Accounting Officer, DERICKSON as Executive Officer, EXPLORER as Navigating Officer, and later as Commanding Officer, and the GILBERT as Commanding Officer. He served as Chief of Party on several Air Photo Parties, was assigned as Officer in Charge of the Baltimore Photo Office and at the time of his retirement on February 1, 1959, he was serving as District Officer at the Seattle District Office.

Captain Kirsch was transferred to the Department of the Navy, U.S. Marine Corps during World War II from December 9, 1942 until March 2, 1946. During this time he was given temporary promotions to Commander and Captain.

Captain Kirsch is survived by his wife of 52 years, Frances M. Curington, and three children--daughters, Jean C. Gressette and Susan M. Nelson, and son, John P. Kirsch.

---

NOAA CORPS BULLETIN, 6/1/1984