William Eldridge Odom

William Eldridge Odom
Official portrait, 1984
Born(1932-06-23)June 23, 1932
Cookeville, Tennessee, US
DiedMay 30, 2008(2008-05-30) (aged 75)
Lincoln, Vermont, US
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branchUnited States Army
Years of service1954–1988
RankLieutenant General
CommandsNational Security Agency
Battles / warsVietnam War
AwardsArmy Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Other work

William Eldridge Odom (June 23, 1932 – May 30, 2008) was a United States Army lieutenant general who served as Director of the National Security Agency under President Ronald Reagan, which culminated a 31-year career in military intelligence, mainly specializing in matters relating to the Soviet Union. After his retirement from the military, he became a think tank policy expert and a university professor and became known for his outspoken criticism of the Iraq War and warrantless wiretapping of American citizens. He died of an apparent heart attack at his vacation home in Lincoln, Vermont.[1]

  1. ^ Schudel, Matt (June 1, 2008). "William E. Odom, 75; Military Adviser to 2 Administrations". The Washington Post.