James Dougherty
Private, U.S. Marine Corps

James Dougherty was born on 16 November 1839 in Langhash, Ireland.

In June and July 1871, Private Dougherty was serving on the USS Carondelet * during the Korean Expedition.

The U.S. Expedition to Korea in 1871, also known as Sinmiyangyo (Western Disturbance of the Year Sinmi year), was the first American military action in Korea. It took place predominantly on and around the Korean island of Ganghwa. The reason for the presence of the American military expeditionary force in Korea was to support an American diplomatic delegation sent to establish trade and diplomatic relations with Korea and to ascertain the fate of the General Sherman merchant ship.

On 8 February 1872, Private James Dougherty was a recipient of the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during the Expedition.

Medal of Honor:

Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps. Born. 16 November 1839, Langhash, Ireland. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 169, 8 February 1872.

Citation:

On board the USS Carondelet in various actions of that vessel. Wounded several times, Dougherty invariably returned to duty, presenting an example of constancy and devotion to the flag.

Death and Burial

Private James Dougherty died on 25 November 1897 and is buried at Cypress Hills National Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY.

* Note

The USS Carondelet does not appear to have served in Korea, raising the possibility that the citation for Private Dougherty's Medal refers incorrectly to the Carondelet instead of to another ship (possibly the Benicia, Colorado or Alaska) involved in the Korean campaign.