O'Donnell, Emmett, 1906-1971

General Emmett (Rosy) O'Donnell was one of aviation's pioneers who from his days as an Army Air Corps air mail pilot went on to build an impressive list of military aviation firsts. In 1941 he led the first mass flight of B-17 Flying Fortresses across the Pacific from Hawaii to the Philippines. Before World War II was two days old, he had earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. In the midst of an enemy air attack, O'Donnell dove his B-17 through antiaircraft fire to attack a Japanese cruiser and destroyer. Later in the war, he led the first maximum effort attack of B-29's against the Japanese homeland from Saipan. Early in the Korean War, O'Donnell led B-29 flights after being rushed from the United States to head bomber operations against the communists. His action in the Korean War earned him a second Distinguished Service Cross. General O'Donnell retired in 1963 after thirty-four years of service and then pursued an active civic career, including serving as President of the U.S.O., until his death in 1972.

Air Force officer.