Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Joseph “Wild Bill”
Donovan
January 1, 1883

–

February 8, 1959

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

William “Wild Bill” Donovan entered active duty in the U.S. Army from the New York National Guard. He is considered the “Father of our current CIA” after organizing and leading the OSS in World War II. In 1953 he was appointed as the US Ambassador to Thailand.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    165th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 28 – 31, 1918
    War Department, General Orders 71 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) William Joseph “Wild Bill” Donovan (ASN: 0-102383), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Villers-sur-Fere, France, July 28 – 31, 1918. Colonel Donovan led his battalion across the River Ourcq and captured important enemy strong holds. He was in advance of the division for four days, all the while under shell and machine-gun fire from the enemy, who were on three sides of him, and he was repeatedly and persistently counter-attacked, being wounded twice. Colonel Donovan’s coolness and efficient leadership rendered possible the maintenance of this position.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    165th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I
    War Department, General Orders No. 43 (1922)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Infantry) William Joseph “Wild Bill” Donovan (ASN: 0-102383), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Battalion Commander of the 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, during its operations in the Baccarat Sector from 28 to 31 July 1918, Colonel Donovan demonstrated high professional attainments and marked ability. He displayed conspicuous energy and most efficient leadership in the advance of his battalion across the Ourcq River and the capture of strong enemy positions. In October 1918, as Lieutenant Colonel he commanded the same regiment with marked success and distinction in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. His devotion to duty, heroism, and pronounced qualities of a commander enabled him to successfully accomplish all missions assigned to him in this important operation. From 3 January to 3 March 1919, as Inspector Instructor, Provost Marshall General’s Department, he rendered services of great value to the American Expeditionary Forces.

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    165th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 14 & 15, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 56, December 30, 1922

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Joseph “Wild Bill” Donovan (ASN: 0-102383), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 14 and 15 October 1918, while serving as Commanding Officer, 165th Infantry, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Landres-et-St. Georges, France. Lieutenant Colonel Donovan personally led the assaulting wave in an attack upon a very strongly organized position, and when our troops were suffering heavy casualties he encouraged all near him by his example, moving among his men in exposed positions, reorganizing decimated platoons, and accompanying them forward in attacks. When he was wounded in the leg by machine-gun bullets, he refused to be evacuated and continued with his unit until it withdrew to a less exposed position.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    Office of Strategic Services

    Action Date:

    World War II
    War Department, General Orders No. 9 (1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General William Joseph “Wild Bill” Donovan (ASN: 0-102383), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War II.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    165th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Citation to Colonel (Infantry) William Joseph “Wild Bill” Donovan (ASN: 0-102383), United States Army, for gallantry in action during World War II. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.