His appointment was somewhat controversial because some viewed him as not having the requisite tact and sophistication. Eisenhower defended him, believing that his critics underestimated him.
"Despite his nickname and his tough exterior", Eisenhower wrote, "General O'Daniel was a man of great ability and tact". He had been chosen for the assignment largely on the basis of his successful role in creating and supervising the training programs which had transformed the South Korean Army into an effective fighting force during the Korean War.