Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Daniel James Doughty (AFSN: 16413558/AO-3037760), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period April 1966 to June 1966, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. Lieutenant Colonel Doughty resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    April 2, 1966 – February 12, 1973

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Daniel James Doughty (AFSN: 16413558/AO-3037760), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement as a Prisoner of War while engaged in operations against an opposing armed force in North Vietnam. In an atmosphere of enemy harassment and brutal treatment, he continued to establish and maintain communications through unusual and ingenious methods, which resulted in American and Allied prisoners presenting a posture of increased resistance to the enemy’s wishes, and, at the same time, improving prisoner morale. By his heroic endeavors and devotion to duty under adverse conditions of his environment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    April 2, 1966 – February 12, 1973

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Daniel James Doughty (AFSN: 16413558/AO-3037760), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 2 April 1966 to 12 February 1966. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Division:

    Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    April 2, 1966

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Daniel James Doughty (AFSN: 16413558/AO-3037760), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in North Vietnam near Dong Hoi, while serving with the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, PACIFIC Air Force, in action on 2 April 1966. On that date, Captain Doughty flew the wing position in a flight of two unarmed and unescorted RF-101 Voodoo’s on a reconnaissance mission deep in hostile territory. Braving adverse weather on a high speed low level penetration of hostile territory, Captain Doughty courageously disregarded his own safety to doggedly pursue his mission in the face of constant threat of anti-aircraft artillery fire and deadly Surface-to-Air Missiles to photograph all assigned targets. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Doughty has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    August 16, 1974 – May 31, 1978

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Daniel James Doughty (AFSN: 16413558/AO-3037760), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander and Commander of the United States Air Force Instrument Flight Center, and as Commander of the 3305th School Squadron, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, from 16 August 1974 to 31 May 1976. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Colonel Doughty were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Doughty culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country, and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    April 2, 1966 – February 12, 1973

    Captain Daniel James Doughty (AFSN: 16413558/AO-3037760), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from April 2, 1966 until his release on February 12, 1973.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    April 1966 – October 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Daniel James Doughty (AFSN: 16413558/AO-3037760), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from April 1966 to October 1972. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of Prisoners of War, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of North Vietnam, demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion, and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, he continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    April 28, 1968 – July 15, 1969

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Daniel James Doughty (AFSN: 16413558/AO-3037760), United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 28 April 1968 to 15 July 1969. The North Vietnamese and interrogators and guards kept constant pressure on this officer through harassment, intimidation, and cruelties from which they hoped to gain information and cooperative participation in their propaganda exercises. This individual heroically resisted their treatment in a manner which served as an inspiration to others in the camp and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.