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. Lot of three hand-drawn war-date battle maps with notes, 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 maps are very specific, and largely concern Companies B and C. One map, 1p. 4to., shows Joncery-sur-Suippes and the area south along with the locations of the platoons and headquarters. Notes on the page offer instructions in the event of a German attack, prepared by Capt. I. I. Reilly. The second map, 13 x 8 in., shows defensive positions about Jonchery, again with orders for its defense. The third map, 9.5 x 8 in., shows American positions and fortifications in an unknown location. The last map, 11 x 6 in. acetate, shows company positions on July 7, 1918. Some loss at the right margin to the last map, else generally very good. These maps, along with other maps and documents, were contained within two of Donovan's footlockers purchased by our consignor and offered elsewhere in this sale.