William Eldridge Odom | |
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Born | Cookeville, Tennessee, US | June 23, 1932
Died | May 30, 2008 Lincoln, Vermont, US | (aged 75)
Allegiance | United States |
Service | United States Army |
Years of service | 1954–1988 |
Rank | Lieutenant General |
Commands | National Security Agency |
Battles / wars | Vietnam War |
Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit |
Other work |
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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]