Michael O’Dea enlisted in the Michigan National Guard in 1939. He served with his unit in the United States as a sergeant, until graduating from Officer Candidate School in February 1943. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross during an intense firefight on Cebu, 28 Mar 1945, during which he personally rescued several of his men. In April, he took over as Commanding Officer of Company G. After the war he continued to serve with the Michigan National Guard, reaching the rank of Captain.