John W. O'Daniel
United States Army general
Died when: 81 years 40 days (973 months)Star Sign: Aquarius
Lieutenant General John Wilson O'Daniel (February 15, 1894 – March 27, 1975), nicknamed "Iron Mike", was a senior United States Army officer who served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
He is perhaps best known for serving with the 3rd Infantry Division in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Southern France during World War II.
He was the commanding general (CG) of Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier in the U.S.Army during World War II.
O'Daniel was an athlete, a teacher, a diplomat, and a lifetime military professional.He was short of stature (five foot six inches), an outspoken, doughty, gravel-voiced, combat leader of men through three major wars (World War I, World War II and the Korean War) spanning a forty-year military career.
His motto was, "sharpen your bayonet".In his memoirs, General Dwight D.Eisenhower called him "one of our outstanding combat soldiers".
The press likened him to General George S.Patton Jr. for his strong personal opinions and his fearless demeanor, as well as his dash and daring in moving the 3rd Infantry Division across the European Theater of Operations (ETO).
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United States Army general
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