The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Stanley Joseph Donovan (AFSN: FR-1089/0-19560), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Command Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force in the North Africa Theater of Operations. On 18 January 1943, Colonel Donovan led his Group on a most successful and devastating raid on an enemy-occupied airdrome at *****. When the Allied Forces took over this airdrome a few days later, it was found that over one hundred (100) of the total two hundred enemy aircraft left on the field were put out of action by the accurate bombing of Colonel Donovan’s Group. A hit on the power station by a 1,000-pound bomb completely demolished its machinery. This particular mission was carried out at a critical point in the advance of the Eighth Army on *****, and despite the superior number of enemy planes, Colonel Donovan successfully led the formation over the target, and later safely back to the base. By his display of gallant and courageous leadership, Colonel Donovan has upheld the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
97th Bombardment GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
April 26, 1943
Headquarters, Northwest African Air Forces, General Orders No. 144 (July 23, 1943)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) Stanley Joseph Donovan (AFSN: FR-1089/0-19560), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the North African Theater of Operations as Pilot of a B-17 type aircraft of the 97th Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force. On 26 April 1943, Colonel Donovan led the 97th Bombardment Group in a notably successful mission over Naples which resulted in great damage to decks, shipping and enemy military installations. Because of low clouds and restricted visibility two separate bombing runs were made, in the face of accurate anti-aircraft fire, to insure complete coverage of the target. As Group Commander, he has, throughout the Tunisian Campaign, carried out his duties with exceptional foresight, energy and success. His devotion to duty and his courageous example in combat have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
August 16, 1960 – June 14, 1963
Department of the Air Force, Special Order G-177 (December 20, 1963)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General Stanley Joseph Donovan (AFSN: FR-1089/0-19560), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy for Operations, Headquarters, Tactical Air Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, from 16 August 1960 to 14 June 1963. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Donovan and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Division:
War Department General StaffAction Date:
1943 – 1945
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Stanley Joseph Donovan (AFSN: FR-1089/0-19560), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the War Department General Staff, from 1943 to 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Donovan and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant GeneralRegiment:
Permanent Military Deputies GroupDivision:
Central Treaty OrganizationAction Date:
August 1, 1967 – July 31, 1969
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Stanley Joseph Donovan (AFSN: FR-1089/0-19560), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Donovan distinguished himself as the United States Representative to the Permanent Military Deputies Group, Central Treaty Organization, from 1 August 1967 to 31 July 1969. In this important assignment, General Donovan’s strong personal dedication, resourcefulness and keen sense of diplomacy, exemplified the highest standards and have made possible the attainment of many significant measures to strengthen the alliance. Under his superb direction and guidance, the United States element of the Central Treaty Organization achieved a high degree of effectiveness in the conduct of various studies bearing on the accomplishment of the organization’s mission in such areas as military assistance, international logistics, balance of payments, and base rights. His devotion to duty and impeccable reputation as a military leader and administrator were reflected in the high level of operational readiness of the Central Treaty Organization. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Donovan culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country, and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralRegiment:
Joint United States Military GroupDivision:
Military Assistance Advisory Group, SpainAction Date:
July 1963 – August 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Stanley Joseph Donovan (AFSN: FR-1089/0-19560), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Chief, Joint United States Military Group – Military Assistance Advisory Group, Spain, from July 1963 to August 1966. As the single point of contact between the United States military forces and the Spanish Government, and the United States Embassy and United States forces, General Donovan was ultimately responsible for implementation of the United States – Spain defense agreements. Confronted on several occasions with very difficult and highly complicated international problems, General Donovan, through the exercise of superior judgment and diplomacy of the highest order, developed solutions which were eminently satisfactory to both countries. The rapport between the Government of Spain and the Government of the United States was thus significantly enhanced, and major United States policy objectives were successfully met. General Donovan’s singularly distinctive achievements are in keeping with the highest standards of performance and traditions of the military service, and reflect favorably upon himself and the United States Air Force.