A solid wood footlocker, measuring 38 in. long x 18 in. wide and 13 in. tall, belonging to Brigadier General 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 enemy Axis military operations. He is believed to be the only person awarded all four of the following prestigious decorations: the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, and the National Security Medal. The locker offered here is from Donovan’s service in World War I, bearing the designation in black paint on either side ‘Regimental Headquarters 165 Inf. U.S.A.’ and Donovan’s full name and a Buffalo N.Y. address on the top. The lid no longer locks closed and the wood is expectedly a bit worn with some loss to the dark brown finish. During World War I Donovan led the 1st Battalion of the 165th in France, during which time he earned the Croix de Guerre for a rescue mission. He showed true strength of character when he refused to accept this award until the Jewish soldier who had also taken part in the rescue was bestowed the same honor. On October 14-15, 1918 Donovan fought in the battle near Landres-et-Saint-Georges as commanding officer of the 165th Regiment. Once again, he served with distinction earning an Oak Leaf Cluster of the Distinguished Service Cross, even refusing to cover his officer insignia that made him a target for snipers. This is a marvelous opportunity to connect with a highly decorated and respected man who served in both World Wars and continued to serve as an intelligence officer and ‘Founding Father’ of the CIA.