MAJOR GENERAL DELK M. ODEN, (then Lieutenant Colonel), Cavalry, Headquarters 35th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, United States Army. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in Germany. On 28 March 1945, during operations near Guissen, Germany, Colonel Oden fearlessly maintained position at the head of his armored task force although suffering from a wound received a few days previously. When blown out of his tank by a direct hit from an enemy 88mm gun which killed his gunner and set fire to the tank, this dauntless officer mounted another tank and continued to lead the attack. Inspired by his intrepid gallantry, the task force drove forward to inflict tremendous losses of men and material upon the enemy. Colonel Oden’s heroic leadership and indomitable fighting spirit are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.

General Oden resides in Virginia.