Donovan, William Joseph (1883–1959)

US military leader and public official. Donovan served as US district attorney 1922–24 and as assistant to the US attorney general 1925–29. He was national security adviser to presidents Hoover and F D Roosevelt and founded the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) 1942. As OSS director 1942–45, Donovan coordinated US intelligence during World War II.

Born in Buffalo, New York, USA, Donovan was educated at Columbia University and was admitted to the bar 1907. He was decorated for bravery during World War I, gaining the nickname ‘Wild Bill’. When the OSS became the CIA 1947, President Truman passed over Donovan as its first director. President Eisenhower appointed Donovan ambassador to Thailand 1953–54, calling him America's ‘last hero.’