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. Important St. Mihiel battle map used by Donovan as commander 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. The 30 x 42 in. French Army-issue map was printed March 20, 1918 and is marked 'SECRET' at the top. It is heavily detailed, showing German, French and American defenses including trenches, barbed wire, encampments, pill boxes, etc. in the area of Mont-Mare. One margin bears a period description: '1/20,000 Mort Mare Shows area of 1st Phase 1st Day used by C.O. 1st Bn. in attack'. The map bears multiple folds and tears thereat, some repaired with archival tape on the verso, some losses at fold junctions, and scattered stains. This map, along with other maps and documents, were contained within two of Donovan's footlockers purchased by our consignor and offered elsewhere in this sale.