J. Patrick Donovan Jr.

Donovan is a true American hero.

His selfless actions and bravery resulted in saving many lives as he piloted helicopters into combat zones to pick up wounded Marines and transport them to medical facilities.Donovan completed missions despite grave personal danger, at times ignoring his own wounds and damage to his helicopter in order to rescue soldiers from peril.

A helicopter pilot with the famous Purple Foxes in Vietnam, Donovan was assigned to combat duty from Aug. 1968 to Sept. 1969.He flew over 700 missions.

On Feb. 22, 1969, under enemy fire and without gunship support, Donovan landed his helicopter in a fire-swept area to pick up a seriously wounded Marine.Although Donovan was wounded and his helicopter damaged, he flew to the nearest medical facility with the wounded Marine, ascertained that his aircraft was still operable, then flew a second emergency medical evacuation, picking up eight more seriously injured Marines.

On April 21, he evacuated wounded soldiers from an open rice paddy under heavy enemy fire then, after finding out that his helicopter was damaged, Donovan took command of a second aircraft to return to the same area for more wounded men.For each of these missions, he received the Navy Cross.

On Mar. 17, he landed his helicopter under heavy enemy fire to retrieve casualties from combat.On April 28, flew into enemy fire to rescue two Marines from a dangerous combat position.For each of these missions he received the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Donovan received the Silver Star Medal for maneuvering into enemy areas to evacuate ten wounded Marines from open rice paddies under heavy fire from large North Vietnamese forces.

In addition to the awards mentioned above, Major Donovan was awarded The Purple Heart, and in 1970 was named Pilot of the Year.

A resident of Beverly Hills/Morgan Park, Donovan is the Chief Assistant Corporate Counsel, Regulatory and Aviation Litigation Division, City of Chicago Department of Law.

Donovan came to Beverly Hills/Morgan Park in 1966 for what was to be a short visit.While here, he received a change in military orders and decided to stay until it was time to report for his new Marine assignment.He rented an apartment, opened a checking account and got a temporary job.He began running around the ball fields at Ridge Park for exercise, preparing for the Marines."I got to know people," Donovan recalled, citing Jay Adler, owner of the old Mickelberry's restaurant on 95th Street, Dick Harrigan from the Original Pancake House, and Mr. and Mrs. Soulihan, owners of Top Notch.
...
Eileen R.(Beba) Donovan.
...
Their son, J. Patrick Donovan Jr., is a teacher in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program at Clissold School.
...
As a Marine Reservist, Donovan began his study of law at DePaul University in 1972.He graduated from San Diego Law School while serving at Marine Corps Air Station Santa Ana.He returned to Chicago as a Squadron Pilot in the Marine Corps Detachment Glenview Naval Air Station and began to practice law.He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1987.

"Being Grand Marshal of the Memorial Day Parade is like marshalling all of these memories from 33 years in this neighborhood," Donovan said.Humble about his acts of heroism, Donovan is a hospitable neighbor, a proud family man, and a man who appreciates the gift of sharing his memories.Lucky for us his "short visit" became a lifetime commitment in Beverly Hills/Morgan Park.

Major Donovan will march with the Color Guard and other military personnel in the Beverly/Morgan Park Memorial Day Parade, a favorite neighborhood event that honors all of the men and women who have served or are serving in the U.S. armed services.The parade draws participation from groups as small as individuals in antique cars and as large as the United States military.Most of the marchers are home-grown groups: Scouts, service organizations, homeowners associations, schools and bands.

The parade will follow the last runners in BAPA's 25th annual 10K Ridge Run.Marchers proceed north into Ridge Park where they gather with the community for a ceremony to honor the men and women who have served or are serving in the United States military.