John Wilson O'Daniel | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Nickname(s) | "Iron Mike" |
| Born | February 15, 1894 Newark, Delaware, United States |
| Died | March 27, 1975 (aged 81) San Diego, California, United States |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1913–1955 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant General |
| Service number | 0-7342 |
| Unit |  Infantry Branch |
| Commands | 2nd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment 168th Infantry Regiment 3rd Infantry Division United States Army Infantry School I Corps United States Army Pacific Military Assistance Advisory Group |
| Battles / wars | World War I World War II Korean War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Army Distinguished Service Medal (4) Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star Purple Heart Air Medal Commendation Ribbon |
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).