MGen DM Oden DSC Grouping

[BagmanL6]

Still gathering info but here is what I have so far :

 

Biography:  Delk McCorkel Oden was born July 13, 1911, the son of Samuel Bell Oden and Clara Elizabeth Henderson. He attended Marion Military Institute in Alabama and later West Point, graduating in 1937, as a 2nd Lt. (Infantry).

Service Time:  His first assignment as an officer was with the 27th Infantry in Hawaii. With WWII beginning in Europe, he transferred to the Cavalry and served in the 7th and 10th Regiments. In January of 1942, he transferred to the 84th Reconnaissance of the 4th Armored Division and later as a Major, took command of the 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion. The unit had been formed, just six months before, in December of 1941, and required extensive training to meet the standard he would set for them.

Delk was promoted to Lt. Colonel on January 23, 1943, and the unit was tasked with testing the new T-70 (M18) Tank Destroyers. Their time with the new TDs brought about a number of changes, which would be incorporated in the final units. Delk continued with the unit, which would receive considerable accolades for their performance in both training within the U.S. and their exploits during the early part or the war.

The 704th would go on to receive credit for campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, the Ardennes and Central Europe. In August of 1944, Delk was reassigned to the 35th Tank Battalion, also serving under the 4th Armored Division and the 3rd Army. On March 28, 1945, while leading his forces, he would be involved in actions leading to the award of the Distinguished Service Cross.

Delk would continue his service to our country in a number of varied assignments, most notable were Commanding General, Army Support Command in Vietnam from July of 1963 to February 1965. He would also serve as Commanding General, U.S. Army Aviation Center, located at Fort Rucker, Alabama, from 1967 to 1970. He retired on October 1, 1970, at the rank of Major General.

His extensive list of accomplishments and awards include the DSC, two awards of the Silver Star, four awards of the Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Bronze Star (one with Valor device), Legion of Merit, two Purple Hearts, two awards of the Croix De Guerre and many, many, more.