Portion of 104 in Niagara County will be renamed for General ‘Wild Bill’ Donovan
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.7827/A.10548) naming a portion of the State Highway System in honor of General William “Wild Bill” Donovan. The bill designates State Route 104 in the town of Lewiston as the General William ‘Wild Bill” Donovan Memorial Highway.
“General Donovan provided an incredible service to our nation and had a profound impact on World War I, World War II, and the modern American intelligence community,” Governor Cuomo said. “It is a privilege to honor General Donovan’s service and valor through this legislation, ensuring his legacy will remain in our memory for generations to come.”
General William “Wild Bill” Donovan, a native of Buffalo, is known as the Father of American Intelligence. He is the only American to ever be awarded this nation’s four highest military awards: The Medal of Honor, The Distinguished Service Cross, The Distinguished Service Medal and The National Security Medal
General Donovan was a Decorated World War I veteran and founded and led the Office of Strategic Services, the predecessor of the CIA, during World War II. General Donovan also received the Silver Star and the Purple Heart, as well as a number of other military honors. General William Donovan died on February 8, 1959 at the age of 76, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
“General Donovan is one of the greatest military heroes our country has ever seen, and it is important that we have something that celebrates the contributions he made to our country,” said State Sen. Robert Ortt. “While many may not be aware of the extraordinary life this patriot lived, hopefully by renaming this highway, it will spark interest from others into learning who this man was, while also honoring his legacy.”
