Description:

165th INFANTRY REGIMENT AISNE-MARNE OFFENSIVE ADVANCE MAP, OWNED BY COL. WILLIAM J. DONOVAN
WILLIAM J. DONOVAN (1883-1959) 'Wild Bill', American brigadier general chosen by Roosevelt to head the O.S.S. (precursor to the C.I.A.). Donovan planted over 16,000 people behind enemy lines and developed elaborate plans to subvert Axis military operations. Large, finely-detailed map showing the advance of the U.S. 165th Regiment during the Aisne-Marne Offensive, from July 22 to Aug. 3, 1918. Using a 33 x 42 in. French map constructed by joining two sheets, depicting the environs of the commune of Soissons, as a base, the map bears the hand-inked title at top right: ‘History 165 Inf. No. 3 Showing Route of Camion Train and Route of March in Aisne-Marne Offensive,. Line of Resistance and Line Reached by Advanced Battalion and Patrols. Campaign of the Ourcq.' Below appears the subtitle: ‘Prepared by Regtl. Intelligence Section 165 Inf.', with the regimental intelligence officer, 1st Lt. Harold L. Allen, signing below. The route of advance is marked in blue ink and orange and green indelible pencil, and follows the 165th from its arrival at Lizy-sur-Ourcq by train, all the way to its furthest point of advance by patrols at Mareuil-en-Dale on Aug. 3. Hand-written and colored paper labels affixed to the map show the regiment's progress by date, as well as notable engagements, including the German line of resistance at Villers-sur-Fere. The verso bears the name of Capt. John P. Hurley, commander of Company K of the 165th, in black ink. The map shows folds overall, with two larger holes at center, away from the marked route, and some chips to the edges, otherwise in very good overall condition, making for an impressive display. Originally the famous 69th New York Infantry 'Fighting Irish', the 165th Regiment would distinguish itself at the Second Battle of the Marne, the Ourcq River during the Aisne-Marne Offensive, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Donovan himself would be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Army Distinguished Service Medal for his actions while leading his battalion across the Ourcq at Villiers-sur-Fere, depicted on the map presented here, and capturing important German positions, during which he was wounded twice, and at the cost of hundreds of his men, including his adjutant, the poet Joyce Kilmer. This example, along with other maps and documents, was contained within two of Donovan's footlockers purchased by our consignor and previously sold by us.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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