
U.S. Army
Donovan, William Joseph "Wild Bill"
ConflictWorld War I
RankMajor General
Year of Action1918
Unit/Command165th Infantry, 42nd Division
BirthplaceBuffalo, New York
Citation
Lt. Col. Donovan personally led the assaulting wave in an attack upon a very strongly organized position, and when our troops were suffering heavy casualties he encouraged all near him by his example, moving among his men in exposed positions, reorganizing decimated platoons, and accompanying them forward in attacks. When he was wounded in the leg by machine-gun bullets, he refused to be evacuated and continued with his unit until it withdrew to a less exposed position.
Explore Fellow Recipients
See the recipients that share the same branch of service or conflict as William Joseph "Wild Bill" Donovan
English, EdmundU.S. ArmyConflict: Civil War

Allen, Abner PeelerU.S. ArmyConflict: Civil War

Davis, Charles C.U.S. ArmyConflict: Civil War

Bart, Frank J.U.S. ArmyConflict: World War I

Barnes, Will CroftU.S. ArmyConflict: Indian Campaigns

Fisher, John H.U.S. ArmyConflict: Civil War

Dodds, Edward EdwinU.S. ArmyConflict: Civil War

Blackwell, Robert LesterU.S. ArmyConflict: World War I

Eggers, Alan LouisU.S. ArmyConflict: World War I

Burbank, James H.U.S. ArmyConflict: Civil War

Armstrong, Clinton LycurgusU.S. ArmyConflict: Civil War

Coey, JamesU.S. ArmyConflict: Civil War
The Medal
A Medal Steeped in History
Uncover the inspiring legacy, symbolism, and selection criteria of the Medal of Honor.
EXPLORE THE MEDAL

Exhibits
THE RING OF VALOR
Step into the heart of the Museum and surround yourself with stories of courage and sacrifice.
VIEW EXHIBIT DETAILS



