John O'Donnell | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Parsons O'Donnell July 23, 1896 |
| Died | December 17, 1961 (aged 65) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Journalist |
| Spouse(s) |
Kathryn Mullin (m. 1927–1929) |
| Children | Doris O'Donnell |
John Parsons O'Donnell (July 23, 1896 – December 17, 1961) was an American political journalist primarily known for his tenure at the New York Daily News. Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, O'Donnell was the son of a doctor and pursued his education at Tufts College, graduating in 1920, followed by further studies at Harvard University.
His career in journalism began in 1923 as a reporter at the New York American. In 1927, he joined the New York Daily News, where he gained recognition for his political journalism, covering significant events such as Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1933 presidential inauguration and serving as a correspondent during World War II, reporting from the Maginot Line in France.
Throughout World War II, O'Donnell's journalism reflected the right-wing political biases of his publisher, William Randolph Hearst, which included shifting from initial admiration to harsh criticism of President Roosevelt. In response to this criticism, Roosevelt gave a fellow journalist an Iron Cross to give to O'Donnell. O'Donnell later reported on allegations regarding sexual promiscuity in the Women's Army Corps and also an antisemitic conspiracy theory about General George S. Patton's removal. O'Donnell's reporting in both incidents were discredited, and his publisher retracted the columns.