Lt Col Patrick Doherty, USAF
BS 1987, Aerospace Engineering
SJAFB, Goldsboro, North Carolina
A national hero with a staunch commitment to serving the United States of America, Lt Col Patrick Doherty is both a proud and excellent representative of Iowa State University. The Bellevue, Neb., native, who is an F-15E pilot in the U.S. Air Force, recently earned the Distinguished Flying Cross after suppressing an enemy ambush on American ground forces with strafe runs while being fired upon over Baghdad. Due to this and other acts of heroism, selfless duty, and superior airmanship in the face of fire, Doherty was honored as the top F-15E combat pilot for 2003. His commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom describes Doherty as dedicated, selfless, and the best officer he has seen in 20-plus years of service.
Currently the Operations Officer of the 335 Fighter Squadron, Doherty started his Air Force career as a distinguished graduate of Navigator Training, becoming the top graduate from B-52 Combat Crew Training. He went on to become a decorated pilot, receiving distinguished graduate honors from Pilot Training and garnering the Air Training Command Commander’s Trophy, Leadership Award, and Academic Award before going on to be named 12th Air Force Flight Commander of the Year in 1996.
Doherty and his wife, the former Dee Dee McDermott (marketing ’89), have three young daughters: Madeline, Brooke, and Grace, and are active members of their church and community. Doherty enjoys sharing his patriotism and educational experiences with America’s youth, routinely speaking to groups on the importance of serving one’s nation and community. Pat and Dee Dee Doherty were members of Phi Gamma Delta and Alpha Delta Pi houses as undergraduates.
The Dohertys are annual members of the ISU Alumni Association.
