Ray Odierno

Lieutenant General Ray Odierno is the Commanding General of the Multinational Force in Iraq.

Odierno was named the new commander in a ceremony that took place on September 16, 2008, in Iraq. The ceremony was presided over by Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Odierno succeeded General David Petraeus. He was Petreaus's former deputy and was a key figure in persuading Congress to deploy a troop surge of an additional 30,000 soldiers to Iraq in 2007.¹

Fast Facts

1. Born and raised in Rockaway, New Jersey²
2. Commanding General of the Multinational Force Iraq
3. Served as deputy under General David Petraeus before becoming commander of MNF-I³
4. Was Condoleezza Rice's military advisor⁴
5. Graduate of West Point Academy
6. Son, Capt. Anthony Odierno, lost an arm after being injured by a rocket propelled grenade in Iraq³

Medals and Decorations

1. Army Distinguished Service Medal
2. Legion of Merit
3. Bronze Star
4. Defense Superior Service Medal
5. Meritorious Service Medal
6. Army Commendation Medal
7. Army Achievement Medal

Odierno's Background

Odierno served as the Commanding General of the U.S. Third Corps, a division of the U.S. Army dedicated to counter-offensive tactics and strategy. As an Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Bush Administration, he has likewise served as the primary military advisor to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.⁴

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