William J Donovan Research Paper

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William J. Donavan was born January 1, 1883 in Buffalo New York. He was of Irish descent to first generation immigrant parents. As a young man growing up in the early 19th century, Donovan attended College at Columbia University located in Upper Manhattan, New York City. While attending Columbia University he was also a star football player, this is where he got the Nickname “Wild Bill” for his aggressive and intense style of playing. William Donovan Graduated from Columbia’s prestigious law school in 1905. Upon graduation he became a prominent lawyer on New York’s Wall Street.

1912-1916 William J. Donovan was a member of the National Guard. He led a troop to the Mexican border to assist in the battle at Pancho Villa when America entered WWI. Donovan could be considered a seasoned solider. He helped lead the 165th Infantry regiment. Donovan also lead the 69th New York volunteers know simply as the “fighting 69th”. Many would say that William J. Donovan was a born leader which he proved his leadership throughout his college education, athleticism, judicial and military career proven with his many honors and accolades the Purple Heart and Silver Star just to name a few. …show more content…

Donovan was more than just your ordinary soldier. He was a man of brilliant ideas and talents personally and politically. Post WWI Donovan severed as a member of the U.S District Attorney’s Office in the state of New York. Donovan had higher aspirations that where not as successful. For instance the former Colonel Donovan once ran for Lieutenant Governor of New York State in 1922 and then for New York State Governor in 1932 both of which were unsuccessful attempts. These failures did not stop his political aspirations. He later went on to become a foreign affairs ambassador to President Franklin D. Roosevelt (not to be confused with the earlier Presidential Ruff Rider Theodore

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