James D. Doran was born on July 20, 1947, to Edward D. and Helen C. Doran. He was one of four children. His home of record is Ridgefield Park, NJ.
He graduated from Teaneck High School in 1966. He loved flying and earned his private pilot’s license at the minimum 16 years of age.
Doran entered the US Army on October 24, 1967. He served with the 15th Medical Battalion 1st Cavalry Division (AMBL). He attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO).
Doran was killed in action on November 26, 1968, at the age of 21, when ground fire hit his helicopter. He is buried in George Washington Cemetery in Paramus, NJ.
He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with V for Valor and 1st and 2nd Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.
His Army Commendation Medal citation reads:
For the performance of exceptionally meritorious achievement in support of the United States objectives in the counterinsurgency effort in the Republic of Vietnam on the day 21 October 1968.
Through his outstanding professional competence and devotion to duty, he consistently obtained superior results. Working long and arduous hours, he set an example that inspired his associates to strive for maximum achievement. The loyalty, initiative and will to succeed that he demonstrated at all times materially contributed to the successful accomplishment of the mission of this command.
His performance was in the best traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
His Bronze Star Medal citation reads:
By distinguishing himself by outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during the period January 1968 to November 1968.
Through his untiring efforts and professional ability, he consistently obtained outstanding results. He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced as a result of the ever-changing situations inherent in a counterinsurgency operation and to find ways and means to solve those problems. The energetic application of his extensive knowledge has materially contributed to the efforts of the United States mission to the Republic of Vietnam and to assist that country in ridding itself of the Communist threat to its freedom.
His initiative, zeal, and sound judgment and devotion to duty have been in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflect great credit on him and on the military service.
His Distinguished Flying Cross citation reads:
For heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action about and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Doran distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 26 November 1968, while serving as an aircraft commander of a UH-1H helicopter during a rescue mission near An Loc, Republic of Vietnam. When a friendly infantry unit sustained several casualties during heavy contact with a large enemy force, Chief Warrant Officer Doran immediately volunteered for the hazardous medical extraction mission. Exposing himself to the intense hostile fire, he skillfully piloted his helicopter into the embattled landing zone and quickly extracted the wounded. After leaving the area, however, the helicopter was downed by enemy anti-aircraft fire and Warrant Office Doran was fatally injured. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
His Distinguished Flying Cross citation reads:
For heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action about and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Doran distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 5 September 1968, while serving as an aircraft commander of a UH-1H helicopter during a rescue mission near Quang Tri, Republic of Vietnam. Despite extremely adverse weather conditions, Warrant Officer Doran volunteered to evacuate several friendly casualties from an embattled area. Flying by instruments and following an illumination trail, Warrant Officer Doran piloted his aircraft to a landing zone cut out of trip canopy jungle growth. Through his efforts, all the injured men were safely evacuated. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
His Award of the Air Medal for Heroism citation reads:
For heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action about and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Doran distinguished himself by heroism in action on 2 February 1968, while serving as a pilot of a UH-1H helicopter during a combat support mission near Hue, Republic of Vietnam. While entering a small landing zone to evacuate several wounded soldiers, Warrant Officer Doran expertly directed the aircraft commander during the hazardous vertical descent into the compound. When his helicopter came under enemy ground fire, Warrant Officer Doran directed the gunners’ fire on the enemy emplacements. His actions contributed greatly to the successful evacuation of the wounded personnel. Warrant Officer Doran’s display of personal bravery and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
His Air Medal with “V” Device citation reads:
For heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam: Warrant Officer One Doran distinguished himself by heroism in action during the period 23 April 1968 to 24 April 1968, while serving as a pilot of a medical evacuation helicopter during a sustained medical evacuation mission near Quang Tri, Republic of Vietnam. When an infantry unit became heavily engaged with a large enemy force and sustained several casualties over a two day period, Warrant Officer Doran exposed himself to the intense hostile ground fire as he flew numerous sorties into the embattled area in order to evacuate a great number of wounded soldiers to medical facilities. Warrant Officer Doran’s display of personal bravery and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Information provided by William Doran (brother), Elizabeth Gangeri (sister) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
