The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John F. Dougherty (ASN: US-55193750), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. In the early morning hours of 26 November 1952, Company I, 3d Battalion, of which Private Dougherty was a member, was assigned the mission of defending friendly positions on Hill “270”, in the vicinity of Hak Tong-Ni, Korea. Upon being subjected to a barrage of enemy mortar and artillery fire, Private Dougherty observed that the scattered ammunition dumps located on the outpost were catching fire and beginning to explode. Realizing the danger of a large supply of mortar ammunition exploding, he left the comparative safety of his bunker in an attempt to control the flames. Although seriously wounded as he crossed the hostile shelled terrain, Private Dougherty reached his objective and managed to control the rapidly spreading fire. He refused medical aid and evacuation until he was assured that the fire was completely out. Private Dougherty’s outstanding gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.