Description:

COL. WILLIAM J. DONOVAN AND FATHER FRANCIS P. DUFFY
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 commanding colonel of the U.S. 165th Infantry 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. Phenomenal association pair of pencil signatures, those of Donovan and Father FRANCIS P. DUFFY (1871-1932), the chaplain of the 165th Regiment and the most highly-decorated cleric in the history of the United States Army. A recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army Distinguished Service Medal and the French Legion d'Honneur. Duffy was recognized by Donovan as a key element in the unit's morale, and Douglas MacArthur, commanding general of the 42nd Infantry Division, stated later that Duffy was briefly considered for the post of regimental commander. He was instrumental in lobbying for Donovan to receive the Medal of Honor, which he was finally awarded in 1923. The signatures appear together at the upper-right corner of a page in the second volume of a postwar typed or mimeographed list of addresses of the men of the 165th Regiment, approx. 200pp. legal folio, [New York], Oct. 5, 1922, bound in two folders indicating production by the Rapid Addressing Machine Co. Donovan signs simply with his last name, while Duffy signs in full below. The cover of each folder is inscribed "Vet[erans] Ass[ociatio]n Rain Bow Div[ision]', as the 42nd Infantry Division, to which the 165th belonged, was known. The cover of the second volume is further inscribed ‘165 Infantry Old 69th Ny.', and both are signed ‘J McLoughlin'; at least four individuals with this name are listed within. Donovan's and Duffy's addresses appear in the first volume of the list. Duffy's first name ‘Francis' is a tad light in his signature, while the covers of the folders show chips and tears, with numerous pencil notations throughout, but are otherwise in very good condition. An extremely fine relic of the 165th Infantry Regiment with impeccable provenance, as this list, along with other maps and documents offered in this sale, 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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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000