The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Infantry) Timothy Charles Doherty, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on the Villa Verde Trail, Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 5 to 22 March 1945. Although Major Doherty’s battalion had already been in combat under his leadership since 29 January, on 5 March it was ordered was ordered to travel by night to Valdez. Although he was ill, refusing medical aid, Major Doherty insisted upon leading his men on the march over dangerous mountain terrain. Landslides were a constant menace where the trail narrowed to ledges hanging on the mountain-sides, and the Americans were forced to inch forward on their hands and knees. Due to his illness Major Doherty struggled to keep up with his men, and refused to permit himself to be evacuated. By 16 March the battalion had covered 14 miles and successfully penetrated a strong Japanese position on a hill. Fanatic defense of the hill put intense fire on the Americans. Major Doherty, moving boldly among his men and officers to direct their attack, personally led the charge on the hill. Enemy bullets narrowly missed him but the enemy fell back with heavy casualties. Reinforced by fresh troops, the Japanese launched two “banzai” counterattacks, surrounded two companies of the Infantry battalion, and cut them off from all supplies. Major Doherty immediately led a daring counterattack and relieved the trapped companies. He braved enemy fire again a few days later while leading an attack which routed a company of Japanese who fled in panic, only to be annihilated by American mortar fire. Finally, near complete exhaustion and barely able to walk, Major Doherty finally consented to evacuation to a hospital. Major Doherty’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.