The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major John Joseph Doran, Jr. (AFSN: 0-47695), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an O-2A Pilot in Southeast Asia on 3 March 1968. On that date, Major Doran, flying his unarmed aircraft at low altitudes and under extremely marginal reconnaissance conditions, directed fighter aircraft against hostile transportation facilities. Despite this fact that he was operating a day-restricted aircraft during night conditions and was subjected to intense anti-aircraft fire, Major Doran successfully impeded the hostile convoy movement and controlled attacks which resulted in the destruction of the convoy. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Doran reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major John Joseph Doran, Jr. (AFSN: 0-47695), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller directing fighter aircraft in Southeast Asia on 14 December 1967. On that night, Major Doran flew his unarmed observation aircraft deep into hostile territory and located two large truck convoys. Remaining in the area for over four hours, he directed numerous fighter aircraft in the destruction of the valuable logistics equipment. During the entire mission, Major Doran was well within the effective range of hostile anti-aircraft artillery and was in constant peril of being hit by barrage type anti-aircraft fire. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Doran reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major John Joseph Doran, Jr. (AFSN: 0-47695), United States Air Force, for heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller directing fighter aircraft in Southeast Asia on 27 February 1968. On that night, Major Doran flew his unarmed O-2A aircraft deep into unfriendly territory on an extremely dangerous mission. In the target area, he was continually subjected to intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire by the hostile forces. With complete and utter disregard for his own personal safety, he remained well within the range of the deadly guns for over three hours while he directed multiple fighter aircraft against hostile truck convoys and anti-aircraft positions. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Doran reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.