Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard J. Doherty (ASN: 0-58373), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Kunom-ni-Korea, on 9 February 1951. His company was attacking Hill 584, defended by an estimated enemy reinforced company in excellently prepared, sandbagged, and camouflaged positions with an estimated two battalions as a counterattack force on the reverse slope of the hill. The fighting was exceedingly bitter and it was necessary to dig the enemy from his positions with hand grenades and bayonets. First Lieutenant Doherty’s platoon had scarcely started up the small ridge leading to Hill 584 when he began to meet these strong enemy positions. With complete disregard for personal safety, he immediately went to any spot which was meeting stiff enemy resistance, There, while under the most intense enemy fire, he evolved fire and movement plans which enabled his men to move rapidly forward against these positions, killing a counted 65 enemy while suffering relatively few casualties themselves. He moved constantly throughout his platoon sector under the heaviest enemy aimed fire to encourage and direct his men. As the summit of the hill was neared, he instructed and directed his men in using enemy grenades which he had collected and distributed to stun the enemy in their holes and then to go in and finish the work with bayonets. In this fashion under his superb leadership, his platoon had worked to within a few positions of the top when he was struck by enemy fire and seriously wounded. Even with the pain of his wounds, he refused evacuation until, shouting directions and encouragement, he had seen his platoon take its objective and prepare for the counterattack. First Lieutenant Doherty’s courageous actions, exemplary combat leadership, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, and the United States Army Infantry.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Regiment:

    19th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 317 (1951)

    (UNCONFIRMED – Citation Needed): Richard J. Doherty, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division in Korea. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.