World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
John Wilson 'Iron Mike' O'Daniel
Branch of Service
U.S. Army
Hometown
Newark, Delaware
Honored By
Pearl Thomas
Major General Commanding General 3rd Infantry Division (Italy-Northwestern Europe). He led the division across the Rhine River and participated in the capture of the German citadel at Nuremberg on April 20, 1945. On May 5, 1945, he was present at the German surrender at Haar, Germany. His 3rd Division was awarded one-fourth of all Medals of Honor presented during the war for its feats in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. In July 1945, he became commandant of the U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Received the Distinguished Service Medal, Croix de guerre 1939-1945, Order of the Bath, and Medaglia d'Argento al Valore Militare.