Ernest L. Massad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernest Louis Massad
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Ernest L. "Iron Mike" Massad
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| Nickname(s) | Iron Mike |
| Born | December 25, 1908 Brinkman, Oklahoma |
| Died | February 20, 1993 (aged 84) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1933–1968 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star (OLC) Purple Heart Silver Arrowhead Presidential Unit Citation |
Ernest Louis Massad (born December 25, 1908 – died February 20, 1993) was an amazing person who did many things! He was a talented college football player, a high-ranking general in the United States Army, and a very successful businessman in the oil industry. People often called him "Iron Mike" because of his strength and determination.
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Meet "Iron Mike" Massad
Ernest Massad was born in 1908 in Brinkman, Oklahoma. His family came from Lebanon. After finishing high school in Ardmore, he went to the University of Oklahoma in 1928.
Football Star
At the university, Ernest became a football star. He played as a fullback, linebacker, and kicker. His amazing athletic skills earned him the nickname "Iron Mike". In 1956, a famous magazine called Sports Illustrated featured him. They chose him as one of the "Men of Achievement" who had played football well in 1931. These men were now leaders in different fields across the U.S.
Starting His Military Career
Ernest was part of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) from 1928 to 1932. This program trains college students to become military officers. In 1933, he officially became a Second Lieutenant in the Army. He married Mozelle Sockwell in 1939. They had a son named Michael Louis and a daughter named Elaine.
Serving in World War II
From 1940 to 1943, Ernest was part of the First Cavalry Division. During World War II, he served in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was later promoted to lead a group of soldiers in the Eleventh Airborne Division. This division fought in the Pacific Ocean area.
He commanded the 675th Para-Glider Field Artillery Battalion. He fought in important battles in New Guinea, Leyte, and Luzon. In 1945, he was promoted to colonel. He left active duty in 1946.
Later Military Service
After the war, Massad moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma. He rejoined the U.S. Army Reserve. In 1958, he became the Assistant Division Commander of the 95th Infantry Division. He was promoted to Brigadier General in 1959. On December 11, 1962, he became a Major General. He left the Reserve in 1968.
Ernest Massad also served in Washington D.C. as a special assistant for reserve affairs. President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed him to this role. He was also the Chairman of the Oklahoma Fair Board. He was honored by being added to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. In 1984, he became the Vice President of the Oklahoma Heritage Association.
In 1963, a group called the Western Federation of American Syrian and Lebanese Clubs named Massad the American Lebanese Man of the Year.
Life After the Military
After his military career, Ernest "Mike" Massad became a very successful businessman. He ran his own oil company, the E.L. "Mike" Massad Oil Company. He also succeeded in housing and real estate. He passed away on February 20, 1993, in an Oklahoma City hospital.
His Achievements and Awards
Ernest Massad received many important awards and honors for his service in the military. These show his bravery and dedication.
Army Distinguished Service Medal: This is a very high award given for exceptionally good service to the U.S. government.
Silver Star: This award is given for bravery in combat.
Legion of Merit: This award recognizes outstanding service and achievements.
Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster: This award is for heroic or brave acts, or for very good service in a combat zone. The Oak Leaf Cluster means he received it more than once.
Purple Heart: This award is given to soldiers who are wounded or killed while serving.
Army Presidential Unit Citation: This award is given to military units for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy.
