Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Wilson
O’Daniel
February 15, 1894

–

March 27, 1975

Cemetery:

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery

John O’Daniel was known as “Iron Mike” when he remained on the battlefield after a bullet passed through the left side of his face during his command of the 3d Infantry Division during World War II. He retired as a U.S. Army Lieutenant General in 1955.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    36th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Major General John Wilson O’Daniel (ASN: 0-7342), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 168th Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division during World War II. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General O’Daniel and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General John Wilson O’Daniel (ASN: 0-7342), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, 3d Infantry Division, during World War II.The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General O’Daniel and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General John Wilson O’Daniel (ASN: 0-7342), United States Army, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II
    War Department, General Orders No. 64 (1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General John Wilson O’Daniel (ASN: 0-7342), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General, 3d Infantry Division, from 1944 to 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General O’Daniel and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    July 19, 1951 – July 7, 1952
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 75 (August 6, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General John Wilson O’Daniel (ASN: 0-7342), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility from 19 July 1951 to 7 July 1952.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    168th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    36th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 55 (1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) John Wilson O’Daniel (ASN: 0-7342), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Commanding Officer, 168th Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, during World War II. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    11th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    5th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 12, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 128 (1918)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) John Wilson O’Daniel (ASN: 0-7342), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Bois-St. Claude, in the St. Mihiel salient, 12 September 1918. After being severely wounded in the head early in the action Lieutenant O’Daniel continued in command of his platoon, leading his men for several hours until forced to give in to complete physical exhaustion, thus displaying most exceptional courage, determination, and devotion to duty.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major General John Wilson O’Daniel (ASN: 0-7342), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Commanding General, 3d Infantry Division, during World War II. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General John Wilson O’Daniel (ASN: 0-7342), United States Army, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    May 19 – November 18, 1955
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 71 (December 29, 1955)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General John Wilson O’Daniel (ASN: 0-7342), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility from 19 May 1955 to 18 November 1955.