Emmett O'Donnell, Jr.
| Emmett O'Donnell, Jr. | |
|---|---|
General Emmett "Rosie" O'Donnell, Jr. in a 1962 portrait
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Rosie |
| Born | September 15, 1906 Brooklyn, New York |
| Died | December 26, 1971 (aged 65) Washington, D.C. |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Air Force
|
| Years of service | 1928 - 1963 |
| Rank |
 General
|
| Commands held | Pacific Air Forces 15th Air Force |
| Battles/wars |
World War II Korean War |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross (4) Air Medal (2) |
General Emmett E. "Rosie"O'Donnell, Jr. (September 15, 1906 – December 26, 1971) was a United States Air Force four-star general who served as Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF) from 1959 to 1963. He also led the first B-29 Superfortress attack against Tokyo during World War II.
O'Donnell was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1906. He graduated from Manual Training High School in 1924 where he was a member of Omega Gamma Delta fraternity and from the United States Military Academy four years later. Excelling in football, he played substitute halfback for All-Americans Harry Wilson and Chris "Red" Cagle at West Point.
Appointed a second lieutenant of Infantry, he received flying training at Brooks Field and Kelly Field, Texas, earning his wings by March 1930. His initial flying assignment in the Air Corps was a six and one half year tour with the 1st Pursuit Group at Selfridge Field, Michigan. During this time O'Donnell also served as an airmail pilot with the Army Air Corps mail operations at Cleveland, Ohio, in the spring of 1934.
O'Donnell became a captain April 20, 1935. In December 1936 Captain O'Donnell was assigned to the 18th Reconnaissance Group at Mitchel Field, New York, until 1940. While with this organization, he attended the Air Corps Tactical School at Maxwell Field, Alabama, graduating in August 1939. He was also assistant football coach at West Point from 1934 to 1938. Transferred to Hawaii in February 1940, he was assigned as a squadron commander of the 11th Bombardment Group.
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