Description:

COL. WILLIAM J. DONOVAN'S 165TH INFANTRY REGIMENT FIELD MANUALS (4)
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. A fine group of four publications owned by Donovan during and immediately after his service in World War I, includes: ‘Manual of the Chief of Platoon of Infantry' (Paris: Imprimiere Nationale), 1917, 387pp. 8vo., translated from the French addition and marked ‘Confidential – For Official Use Only – Not to be taken into front line trenches' at the top of the front cover. The title page is signed ‘Lt. E J Guignon 165th Inf' in pencil; this individual cannot be located on the muster roll for the regiment. The paper covers show heavy wear, and are torn at the spine, else very good. WITH: ‘Handbook of the Browning Automatic Rifle Model 1918 (Air Cooled)' (Washington, D.C.: Ordnance Department, War Plans Division), 1918, 40pp. 8vo., illustrated with nine plates and marked ‘Confidential' on the front cover. Stamped ‘Rec'd Hq. 165th U. S. Inf. (69th N. Y. Infantry)' on the cover, with the date ‘Jan. 5', presumably 1919. In very good condition. WITH: ‘Notes on Field Fortification' (Fort Leavenworth: Press of the Army Service Schools), 1914, 102pp. 8vo., by the Army Field Engineer School. Shows slight chips to the covers, else very good. WITH: ‘Defense Against Gas' (France: Base Printing Plant, 29th Engineers), 1918, 75pp. 12mo., by General Headquarters, American Expeditionary Forces. Stamped ‘Rec'd Hq. 165th U. S. Inf. (69th N. Y. Infantry)' on the cover, with the date ‘Mar. 1', presumably 1919. In very good condition. Four pieces. These publications, 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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