After serving in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, General Dougherty entered active military service as an aviation cadet at the outbreak of World War II; previously, he had been a member of the 123rd Cavalry, Kentucky National Guard.

During this assignment in November 1964, he was the United States' planner for the successful U.S./Belgian rescue operation at Stanleyville in the Congo.

In August 1965 he returned to Washington as director, European Region, Office of the Secretary of Defense (International Security Affairs).

In July 1967 he again returned to Europe and served until August 1969 as director, J-5 (Plans and Policy) at Headquarters U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany.

In September 1969 General Dougherty was again assigned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force where he served as the assistant deputy chief of staff, plans and operations, and in February 1970 became deputy chief of staff, plans and operations for the U.S. Air Force.

This article incorporates public domain material from Dougherty's official Air Force online biography.