Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

165th Infantry Regiment, 42nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1919

"For extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, A.E.F., 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."

War Department, General Orders 71

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

165th Infantry, 42nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army

Awarded on:

December 30th, 1922

"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."

War Department, General Orders No. 56

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

165th Infantry Regiment, 42nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1922

"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."

War Department, General Orders No. 43

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

HQ, Office of Strategic Services (OSS), U.S. Government

Awarded on:

January 11th, 1946

"MAJOR GENERAL William J. Donovan served in the highly important and responsible position of Director of Strategic Services, Joint Chiefs of Staff, from June 1942 to August 1945. With ability, judgment and foresight he anticipated the need for secret intelligence, research and analysis, and the conduct of unorthodox methods of warfare in support of military operations. He extended his organization to operate in overseas theaters and neutral areas, and through his many diversified activities gave valuable service in the field of intelligence and special operations to theater commanders, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the State Department and other government agencies. Through his successful achievements, General Donovan contributed in a high degree to the success of military operations in the prosecution of the war."

War Department, General Orders No. 9 (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

165th Infantry Regiment, 42nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

With palm and silver star

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With palm

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)