The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) John Eugene Dougherty (ASN: 0-22550), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action over ****, New Britain, on 23 September 1942. Major Dougherty was Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Forces, dispatched to drop flares and bombs in a night raid on a concentration of shipping at this enemy stronghold. After the flares were released, at least thirty vessels were observed in the harbor. Major Dougherty made eight bombing runs at 8,000 feet, but during each approach, vision was obscured by a thin strata of clouds. Determined to make an effective attack, Major Dougherty, disregarding an intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire from numerous ships and shore batteries, dived to 1,500 feet and released three bombs over a group of four vessels. A direct hit was scored on a large cargo ship and a near miss on a 12,000-ton transport. Although the plane sustained six damaging hits by shell fragments, Major Dougherty resorted to violent evasive action and managed to escape from the hail of fire. The gallantry and determination he displayed on this mission are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Army Air Forces.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) John Eugene Dougherty (ASN: 0-22550), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while leading elements of the 500th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy), TWENTIETH Air Force, in successive aerial attacks against the Japanese mainland from 28 December 1944 to 3 April 1945. During this period Colonel Dougherty has distinguished himself by intrepidity and conspicuous bravery with complete disregard for his personal safety. He accomplished a successful ditching at sea on 28 December 1944 with no serious injury to members of his crew. On 27 January 1945 and 19 February 1945, after leading formation of B-29 aircraft in successful bombing attacks against the industrial heart of Tokyo, Colonel Dougherty on each occasion contacted a B-29 aircraft which had suffered battle damage and escorted the crippled ship to its base. He was primarily responsible for the safe return of these planes and in each instance he flew in the fuel supply of his aircraft to the maximum limit with full knowledge of the great risk involved. Colonel Dougherty led the 500th Bombardment Group on a maximum effort incendiary mission against Nagoya, Japan, on 24 March 1945. His bomb racks malfunctioned over the target and despite critical flak damage suffered on the first attempt he directed a second bomb run and bombed the target successfully. Colonel Dougherty as Air Force Commander of a pathfinder force on 3 April 1945, successfully dropped illumination bombs on the Aircraft Plant, Tokyo, Japan, thereby lighting the target area for the maximum effort attack which followed. He has repeatedly volunteered for hazardous assignments above and beyond the call of duty. His exceptional professional skill and gallant combat leadership have been a constant source of high morale and efficiency. His fearlessness and unusual devotion to duty have been an inspiration and reflect great credit on himself and the Army Air Forces.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) John Eugene Dougherty (ASN: 0-22550), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with ,as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Forces, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Dougherty, 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 Air Forces.