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.Times Online: Ray Odierno Becomes...Mission in Iraq (September 16, 2008)

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 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.BBC News: Profile: General Odierno (September 16, 2008)