John Joseph Doherty was born on 26 February 1919 in Charlestown, Massachusetts. He enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve on 1 March 1940 and was appointed aviation cadet on 9 July 1940. Assigned to Bombing Squadron 6 on board , Ensign Doherty was reported missing in action 1 February 1942 during the Marshall Islands Raid. He posthumously received a special letter of commendation from the Secretary of the Navy for his devotion to duty and disregard of his own safety in accomplishing his mission in addition to the Distinguished Flying Cross.