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Births on January 1

William J. Donovan
1883Jan, 1

William J. Donovan

William J. Donovan, American general, lawyer, and politician (d. 1959)
William Joseph "Wild Bill" Donovan (January 1, 1883 – February 8, 1959) was an American soldier, lawyer, intelligence officer and diplomat, best known for serving as the head of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the Bureau of Intelligence and Research and the Central Intelligence Agency, during World War II. He is regarded as the founding father of the CIA, and a statue of him stands in the lobby of the CIA headquarters building in Langley, Virginia.

A decorated veteran of World War I, Donovan is the only person to have received all four of the United States' highest awards: the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, and the National Security Medal. He is also a recipient of the Silver Star and Purple Heart, as well as decorations from a number of other nations for his service during both World Wars.

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Events on 1883

  • 16Jan

    United States Civil Service Commission

    The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, establishing the United States Civil Service, is passed.
  • 20May

    1883 eruption of Krakatoa

    Krakatoa begins to erupt; the volcano explodes three months later, killing more than 36,000 people.
  • 17Aug

    National Anthem of the Dominican Republic

    The first public performance of the Dominican Republic's national anthem, Himno Nacional.
  • 20Oct

    Treaty of Ancón

    Peru and Chile sign the Treaty of Ancón, by which the Tarapacá province is ceded to the latter, bringing an end to Peru's involvement in the War of the Pacific.
  • 3Nov

    Black Bart (outlaw)

    American Old West: Self-described "Black Bart the poet" gets away with his last stagecoach robbery, but leaves a clue that eventually leads to his capture.