Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Robert M. Daugherty (ASN: 0-1794789), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as the S-1 Officer with Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Captain Daugherty distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, on 17 July 1952. Late on that night a friendly company occupying positions on a tactically important hill was subjected to an intense hostile artillery and mortar bombardment followed by a smashing assault by an estimated enemy battalion. Captain Daugherty voluntarily left his rear area position and proceeded to the scene of the battle. Finding that the friendly troops had been forced from the crest of the hill by the enemy assault, he directed the evacuation of casualties and then reorganized the remnants of the friendly company and led them in a charge up the fire-swept slope. Wounded in the head by enemy fire, he ignored the pain and continued to lead his men forward until they became pinned down near the top of the hill. There, when an estimated three hundred of the foe charged forward in an attempt to engulf the small band of friendly infantrymen, he called for artillery fire directly in front of his position and successfully broke up the attack. Pushed down the hill by a second hostile wave, he again reorganized his men and, sending a small force up the right flank of the hill, led his own troops straight up the slope through a murderous hostile bombardment into the teeth of the enemy fire. Wounded a second time in the shoulders and back by flying shell fragments, he nevertheless continued to lead the friendly advance. Inspired by his example, his men charged forward until they were stopped just short of the crest of the hill by the vast numerical superiority of the foe. Bleeding heavily and almost unconscious, Captain Daugherty nevertheless remained in his exposed position directing friendly artillery and mortar fire until a relief force arrived and he was ordered to the rear for evacuation. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Captain Daugherty on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received