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Pvt John W. O'Daniel graduated from Newark High School and was attending Sullivan Military Academy when he enlisted in Camden, New Jersey on 22 September 1943. He was the only son of Maj Gen John W. "Iron Mike" O'Daniel.

Sgt William D. McMurchy wrote to his father, General O’Daniel, about Pvt O’Daniel’s death: "We met very strong opposition about 2000 yards from town in the form of dug in Germans with strong machine gun implacements. [sic] Our third platoon got cut off from us and the company [commander] immediately threw company headquarters into the fight, which, under the circumstances was the only thing he could do. We were advancing in single file down a little draw when a new machine gun nest opened up on us from the flank. At this point John and I were completely cut off from the rest of the company. We talked it over and decided the only thing we could do was to be quiet and hope for the best. On thinking it over later on I think the Heinies had us spotted cause they just peppered our position with fire. After it subsided a little I looked over at John and noticed he wasn’t moving so I crawled over to him and he said he was hit high in the chest. I did what I could for him Sir, but he was going fast and John knew it.
His last words were – “Sarge, tell Dad I tried damn hard won’t you.” I promised him that I would tell you but I had hopes of being able to tell you in person. It’s a simple but sincere message Sir, but I know John meant it from the bottom of his heart."

Pvt O'Daniel was initially buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery of Molenhoek, the Netherlands.

One picture shows his mother pinning his jump wings on during his graduation from airborne training.

On another picture he poses with his mother and sister after graduation from airborne training.