February 2, 2013 - Still More of Johnny Daugherty

A couple more clippings concerning Johnny Daugherty, of Wessington, SD.  A short one first...

June, 1955 - Johnny Daugherty Servicing in Germany

"Army Cpl. John F. Daugherty, son of Fred Daugherty, Wessington, SD recently arrived in Germany and is now a member of the 9th Infantry Division.

As part of the U.S. Seventh Army, the 9th Division conducts rigorous training exercises, including realistic maneuvers and field problems, in southern Germany.

Daugherty, a rifleman, entered the Army in 1951 and was last stationed at Fort Hood, Tex.

He attended Wessington High School."

Then this one - August, 1953

Johnny Daugherty Awarded Silver Star for Gallantry in Action in Korea

"In a 3rd Infantry Division Order, dated April 25, 1953, Private First Class John F. Dougherty of Wessington was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action while serving in Korea.

Daugherty was twice wounded while serving in Korea.  The first time occurred August 15, 1952, and the second time, for which he received the Silver Star one of the Army's higher medals, was on Nov. 26, 1952.

According to the Extract of the Order received by the Times Enterprise (Wessington, SD) this week, Johnnie was assigned on a mission of defending a hill, described officially as Hill '270'.  When they were subjected to a barrage of enemy mortar and artillery fire, Johnnie saw that the scattered ammunition dumps were catching fire and exploding.  Although seriously wounded he crossed the hostile shelled terrain, and managed to controll the fires, refusing medical aid until he was assured that the fire was completely out.  'Private Daugherty's outstanding gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself...' says the order for the award.

Johnnie has since been returned to the States, received his seperation from the Army, and is now at home with his father, Fred Daugherty, in Wessington.

A copy of General Order No. 106, of the 3rd Infantry Division as received by the Times Enterprise, appears in a box to the left."

I won't copy the entire order, but will include a few lines...

"Upon being subjected to a barrage of enemy mortar and artillery fire, Private Daugherty observed that the scatterred ammunition dumps located on the outpost were catching fire and beginning to explode.  Realizing the danger of a large supply of mortar ammunition exploding, he left the comparative safety of his bunker in an attempt to control the flames.  Although seriously wounded as he crossed the hostile shelled terrain, Private Daugherty reached his objective and managed to control the rapidly spreading fire.  He refused medical aid and evacuation until he was assured that the fire was completely out.  Private Daugherty's outstanding gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service."

Do you nice the Johnny's last name has been spelled two different ways in the article?  His ggrandfather spelled in 'Dougherty' and his grandfather spelled the name 'Daugherty'.