Description:

165th INFANTRY REGIMENT SECOND BATTLE OF THE MARNE 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. During World War I, Donovan served as colonel of the U.S. 165th Regiment, originally the famous 69th New York Infantry 'Fighting Irish'. The 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 Medal of Honor for his bravery in mid-October, 1918. Large, finely-detailed map showing the lines held by the U.S. 165th Regiment during the defense of the Champagne Sector, from June 24 to July 21, 1918. Using a 33.25 x 42.5 in. French map constructed by joining two sheets, depicting the environs of the city of Reims, as a base, the map bears the hand-inked title at top right: ‘History 165 Inf. No. 2. Position of Regiment and Route of March Preceeding [sic] the Defense of the Champagne Sector. Positions of Battalions, Previous to the German Offensive of July 14-15, 1918; Brigade and Division Headquarters and Brigade Sector in the Defense.' Below appears the subtitle: ‘Prepared by Regtl. Intelligence Section 165 Inf.', with the regimental intelligence officer, 1st Lt. Harold L. Allen, signing below. The map is further marked at bottom right: ‘Sergt. T[heodore] C. Ranscht Regtl. Intelligence 165 Inf March 12, 1919'. Given the dates mentioned in the title, this map therefore depicts the positions of the battalions comprising the 165th at the outset of the German Champagne-Marne Offensive, which was repulsed by Allied forces in what became known as the Second Battle of the Marne, lasting from July 15-18. The route taken by the 165th is marked in blue ink and orange and green indelible pencil, and follows the regiment from its arrival at Coolus by train, through its march north to establish its regimental headquarters just south of the commune of Jonchery-sur-Suppes by July 4. Hand-written and colored paper labels affixed to the map show the dispersal of the battalions around Jonchery and St. Hilaire, as well as the positions of the regiment's machine gun and supply companies. The regiment's headquarters, as well as those of the 42nd Infantry Division, to which the 165th belonged, and the 83rd Brigade, are indicated by symbols inked directly onto the map. The borders of the 165th's sector of responsibility are marked in black ink, while the Allied and German front lines, as they appeared at the outset of the German assault, are indicated in yellow, blue and orange indelible pencil. An additional paper label indicates that the regiment boarded trains on July 21 for transportation to the Ourcq sector, just after the Allied counteroffensive at Soissons. The map shows folds overall, with pinholes at the corners, otherwise in very good 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 Medal of Honor for his bravery in mid-October, 1918. 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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