Jerome John Doherty
HOME OF RECORD:
Denver, Colorado
AWARD BY DATE OF ACTION:
January 26, 1967
SILVER STAR
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: United States Marine Corps
Rank: Captain
Company: Hotel
Battalion: Second Battalion
Regiment: Fifth Marines
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Jerome John Doherty, Jr. (MCSN: 0-88119), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Commanding Officer of Company H, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 26 January 1967.
As the lead element of a battalion sized mission in support of Operation TUSCALOOSA, near Duy Xuyen District in the Quan Nam Province, Company F came under heavy enemy attack by a numerically superior Viet Cong force as they maneuvered through 300 meters of exposed area. As the well concealed enemy attacked with intense automatic weapons and mortar fire, an enemy mortar round hit the command group, seriously wounding the commanding officer of Company F. Immediately deploying his company to a vantage point, Captain Doherty continually exposed himself to the heavy volume of enemy fire to assess the tactical situation and direct close air support and artillery fire on the enemy positions. When the supporting arms fire failed to suppress the heavy concentration of enemy fire directed at Company F’s positions, Captain Doherty, without regard for his own safety, again exposed himself to hostile fire to lead a two platoon assault in an attempt to outflank the enemy.
As the assault force approached a river bank, it too came under heavy attack and was unable to maneuver effectively. Dauntlessly, and with fierce determination, Captain Doherty then led his reserve platoon across 1,500 meters of open, fire-swept terrain to a tree line on the enemy’s opposite flank. Subsequently, a heavy volume of intense fire was brought to bear on the enemy, forcing them to withdraw. Once the enemy’s main defensive force was breeched, Captain Doherty continued to direct the efforts of both companies while he called in artillery fire and air strikes on the fleeing enemy. As a result of his intrepid fighting spirit and inspiring leadership, the units under his command were credited with more than forty confirmed enemy killed and numerous weapons and equipment captured.
By his exceptional professional ability, courageous actions, inspiring leadership and selfless devotion to duty throughout, Captain Doherty upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.