Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Nelson
Donovan
POW (WWII)
1910

–

1998

Home:

Madison

, 

Wisconsin

Buried: 

Madison

, 

Wisconsin

Cemetery:

Resurrection Cemetery

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Medical Corps)

    Action Date:

    July 1959 – October 1963
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 3 (January 28, 1964)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Medical Corps) William N. Donovan, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from July 1959 to October 1963. [This award supersedes the award of the Army Commendation Medal (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Colonel Donovan for meritorious service during the period June 1959 to October 1963 as announced in General Orders Number 55, Office of the Surgeon General, Headquarters, Department of the Army, dated 28 October 1963 and the Army Commendation Medal (Third Oak Leaf Cluster) awarded for meritorious service during the period 8 September 1962 to 31 October 1963 as announced in General Orders Number 344, Headquarters, United States Army Artillery and Missile Center, dated 24 December 1963.]

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Medical Corps)

    Regiment:

    45th Infantry Regiment (PS)

    Division:

    Philippine Division

    Action Date:

    January 20 & February 11, 1942
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 40 (March 13, 1942)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Captain (Medical Corps) William Nelson Donovan (ASN: 0-21042), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Officer with the 45th Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scouts), Philippine Division, in action against enemy forces at Abucay Hacienda and Silailim Bay, Bataan, Philippine Islands, on 20 January and on 11 February 1942, in the Philippine Islands. Captain Donovan’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.