Carl B. Wirsching
Carl B. Wirsching | |
|---|---|
 Wirsching in 1935 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 10, 1886 Los Angeles, California |
| Died | 1964 (aged 77–78) Los Angeles, California |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Bess Aileen Cochran (m. 1913) |
| Alma mater | University of Southern California (BS, BE) |
| Awards | Purple Heart Silver Star Croix de guerre 1915–1918 Bronze Star |
| Military service | |
| Branch |  Army |
| Years of service | 1917–1919 |
| Rank | |
Carl Bernardino Wirsching (September 10, 1886 – 1964) was an American engineer, veteran, and politician who was active in Los Angeles in the 1930s and 1940s. After serving in the United States Army as a part of the American Expeditionary Forces in France,[1] he returned to Los Angeles to pursue political activities, running in the 1937 Los Angeles mayoral election and placing fourth in the primary.[2]
Early life and career[edit]
Wirsching was born on September 10, 1886, in Los Angeles, California to Robert E. Wirsching and Carlota E. Wirsching, with his family being descendants of Felipe de Neve through his mother. He had three siblings, Robert, Ernest, and Rose.
Wirsching graduated from a grammar school in 1902 and from Polytechnic High School in 1906. He received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern California in 1910 and a Bachelor of Engineering in 1919. He worked in the County Surveyor's office during his college years from 1910 to 1914 and afterwards with the County Road Department for the next three years.
Military career[edit]
In 1917 Wirsching served with the American Expeditionary Forces in France as a Major of Engineers for the Second Division. In 1918, he was wounded in France after he was grazed by a shell splinter.[3][4] He returned from France in 1919.[5][6][7] He received a Croix de Guerre from France in 1919.[1]
Political career[edit]
In 1929, Wirsching was nominated by Mayor Frank L. Shaw to the Board of Public Works to succeed A. W. L. Dunn.[8] In 1931, Wirsching was chosen president of the Board of Public Works by unanimous vote of its members, succeeding T. O. Johnson.[9] In 1933, he was elected as the chair of the USC Alumni Association.[10][11]
In 1937 Wirsching ran in that year's mayoral election, placing fourth in the primary behind Gordon L. McDonough, John Anson Ford, and incumbent Shaw. In May 1937, Wirsching endorsed Shaw for the mayoral race.[2][12] In July 1938, Wirsching was recommended to the Board of Public Works by Mayor Shaw to succeed Hugh J. McGuire.[13][14] In September 1938, he was named the "Official Greeter" for the American Legion.[15] In 1934, he quit as a member of the Board of Public Works.
In 1941 mayor Fletcher Bowron renominated Wirsching to the Board of Public Works, but the Council failed to approve the nomination.[16] In 1946, Wirsching was named the Long Beach City Manager, succeeding Samuel E. Vickers whom the Long Beach City Council had ousted with a 5–3 vote.[17]
Personal life[edit]
In 1913 he married Bess Aileen Cochran and had two children, Margaret Aileen and Patricia Ann. He died in 1964 in Los Angeles.[citation needed]
Military awards[edit]
|
Silver Star |
|
Purple Heart |
|
Croix de guerre 1914–1918 |
|
Bronze Star |
References[edit]
Links to the Los Angeles Times articles require the use of a library card.
- ^ a b "LOCAL MAJOR GETS SECOND WAR CROSS.: CARL WIRSCHING RECEIVES NEW MARK OF HONOR FROM THE FRENCH". Los Angeles Times. October 17, 1919. ProQuest 160723633.
- ^ a b "Wirsching Backs Shaw: Defeated Candidate Throws Support to Incumbent in Race". Los Angeles Times. May 2, 1937. ProQuest 164756260.
- ^ "Capt. C. B. Wirsching Son of Utilities Board Head, Wounded". Los Angeles Herald. September 7, 1918.
- ^ The official history of the Second Regiment of Engineers and Second Engineer Train, United States Army, in the world war. San Antonio Printing Company. 1920. ISBN 978-1371692384.
- ^ WWI Officer Experience Reports - AEF. p. 3.
- ^ "BRINGS ARMY HONORS.: Maj. Carl. Wirsching is Due Back From France Today". Los Angeles Times. July 15, 1919. ProQuest 160715100.
- ^ "Maj. Wirsching Is Expected Home Soon". Los Angeles Herald. June 9, 1919.
- ^ "WIRSCHING NOMINA TED FOR BOARD: Engineer Chosen to Public Works Post as Successor to Dunn, Resigned". Los Angeles Times. November 21, 1929. ProQuest 162307065.
- ^ "Major Wirsching Takes Post Left By T. O. Johnson". Eagle Rock Sentinel. July 31, 1931.
- ^ "WIRSCHING ELECTED U. S. C. ALUMNI HEAD". San Pedro News Pilot. June 9, 1933.
- ^ "WAR HERO HONORED". Sausalito News. June 16, 1933.
- ^ "Wirsching Backs Shaw Candidacy". San Pedro News Pilot. April 28, 1937.
- ^ "Shaw Recommends Carl Wirsching". San Pedro News Pilot. July 22, 1938.
- ^ "SHAW NOMINATES WIRSCHING FOR PUBLIC WORKS POST". Los Angeles Times. July 22, 1938. ProQuest 164879267.
- ^ "Wirsching Named 'Official Greeter'". San Pedro News Pilot. September 1, 1938.
- ^ "Mayor-Council Rift Seen Over Public Works Post: Nine-Man Group Fails to Approve Appointment of Carl Wirsching to Board by Bowron". Los Angeles Times. July 10, 1941. ProQuest 165185670.
- ^ "Wirsching Named LB. City Manager". San Pedro News Pilot. October 30, 1946.