FT MEADE, Md. –
On 28 May 2019, Gen. Paul M. Nakasone, director of the National Security Agency/chief, Central Security Service honored the service and sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Donald D. Daugherty, USA, during the Agency's annual Memorial Day Observance.
SSG Daugherty was a member of the Army Security Agency (ASA) 3rd Radio Research Unit (RRU). The U.S. Army had employed cryptologic specialists operating under the RRU cover designation to collect critical intelligence from enemy communications used to help our military win battles and save lives.
On 13 April 1966, at Tan Son Nhut airfield, just west of Saigon, where SSG Daugherty was stationed, was subjected to a deadly Viet Cong mortar and sapper attack. At one point, the shelling temporarily abated, prompting SSG Daugherty to inform his fellow soldiers that he intended to make his way to the arms room to get his hands on a weapon. As SSG Daugherty began running toward the armory, the attack suddenly resumed, and SSG Daugherty was felled when a mortar shell struck the sidewalk directly in front of him.
Daugherty’s name is engraved on the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Memorial Wall along with 177 others from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and civilian cryptologists who have made the ultimate sacrifice, "serving in silence," in the performance of their duties since World War II. The ceremony included a traditional wreath laying and was attended by friends and distinguished guests.
Additional information on the Memorial Wall and a special historical monograph highlighting SGT Daugherty live, service, and sacrifice can be viewed via the NSA/CSS web site.
NOTE: Media outlets interested in receiving photographs from the ceremony or additional information should contact the NSA Media Relations via phone at 443-634-0721 or via email at mediarelations@nsa.gov.