Sergeant Michael Aloyisius Donaldson was a soldier in the U.S. Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on October 14, 1918 at road between Sommerance and Landres-et St. Georges, France during World War I. At the time he was serving with Company I, 165th Infantry, 42d Division. Donaldson was 31 years old.
3 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on April 6, 1923, 4 years after the action.
Donaldson was born on January 16, 1887 in Haverstraw, Rockland County, New York. Donaldson died on April 12, 1970 in Montrose, New York, at the age of 83. He is buried at St. Peter's Cemetery in Haverstraw, New York.
Donaldson is one of 132 Medal of Honor recipients from World War I and one of 678 credited to New York.
Official Medal of Honor citation
The advance of his regiment having been checked by intense machine-gun fire of the enemy, who were entrenched on the crest of a hill before Landres-et-St.-Georges, his company retired to a sunken road to reorganize their position, leaving several of their number wounded near the enemy lines. Of his own volition, in broad daylight and under direct observation of the enemy and with utter disregard for his own safety, he advanced to the crest of the hill, rescued one of his wounded comrades, and returned under withering fire to his own lines, repeating his splendidly heroic act until he had brought in all the men, six in number.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- January 16, 1887Born in Haverstraw, Rockland County, New York
- October 14, 1918Act of valor — road between Sommerance and Landres-et St. Georges, FranceAge 31. Company I, 165th Infantry, 42d Division
- April 6, 1923Medal of Honor presented
- April 12, 1970Died in Montrose, New YorkAge 83.
- Resting placeSt. Peter's CemeteryHaverstraw, New York
