Description:

BATTLE OF ST. MIHIEL WATER SOURCE MAP, USED 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. An interesting war-date map, 35 x 29 in., a 1:50,000-scale map of the environs of the French commune of Commercy, into which the 165th would advance as part of the 42nd Infantry Division, under overall command of the French Fourth Army, during the brutal Battle of St. Mihiel, Sep. 12-15, 1918. The map, titled ‘Water Supply' at top, identifies all known rivers, streams, springs and wells in the area which might be utilized by advancing Allied troops, vital knowledge for an army on the move. It is labeled as being produced by ‘American Expeditionary Forces – Chief Engineer – Geologic Section' at bottom left, with the date ‘Aug. 29, ‘18'. Shows file holes at the top and bottom edges, with folds consitient with field use throughout, else very good. This map, 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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