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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Morris Russell Doughty, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II. Lieutenant Doughty scored two direct hits on a Japanese light cruiser, several near misses on a heavy cruiser, and a probably hit on a destroyer during a period of intense activity in the Solomon Islands area from September to November 1942. On 25 October, after a difficult take-off from muddy Henderson Field, he silenced Japanese artillery and strafed important ground positions.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Scouting Squadron 71 (VS-71)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Wasp (CV-7)

    Action Date:

    August 25, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Morris Russell Doughty, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron SEVENTY-ONE (VS-71), attached to the U.S.S. WASP (CV-7), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 25 August 1942. During operations of the United States Naval and Marine Forces in support of the occupation of the islands, Lieutenant Doughty, intercepting a hostile four-engined flying boat which was harassing his own air group, pressed home a fearless and determined attack in the face of tremendous opposition. Riddled by his continuous and deadly fire, this huge plane disintegrated in mid-air, fell apart like a bursting shell and crashed into the sea. Lieutenant Doughty’s gallant initiative and courageous devotion to duty, maintained with utter disregard for his own personal safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.