Glen Doherty was born on July 10, 1970, in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University before enlisting in the U.S. Navy on October 23, 1995, going on active duty to begin basic training on May 14, 1996. Doherty completed basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, in July 1996, and then attended Naval Hospital Corpsman School at Great Lakes from July to November 1996. He next attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at NAB Coronado, California, from November 1996 to August 1997, followed by Basic Airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia, in August and September 1997. After attending the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from September 1997 to April 1998, Petty Officer Doherty served with SEAL Team THREE at NAB Coronado from May 1998 to June 2001, and then with SEAL Team SEVEN at NAB Coronado from June 2001 to April 2002. He then returned to SEAL Team THREE from April to September 2002, followed by service with Naval Special Warfare Group ONE Logistics Support at NAB Coronado from September 2002 until he was honorably discharged from the Navy on September 8, 2004. During this time, Petty Officer Doherty deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and 2004. After leaving the Navy he worked as a Civilian Contractor to the United States Government in the Middle East, and was killed during the terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya, when he took part in a quick reaction force that was trying to save the U.S. Ambassador and his team on September 12, 2012. Glen Doherty was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

His Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/Valor Citation reads:

For heroic achievement as medical department head assigned to Naval Task Group Central Command, Echo Platoon, deployed with Commander, United States Fifth Fleet from March to April 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Petty Officer Doherty demonstrated superior courage, professionalism and operation expertise while conducting a direct action assault on the Mina Al Bakr Crude Oil Export Terminal located in the northern Arabian Gulf. Operating under hostile conditions, he performed flawlessly in securing the main oil terminal in southern Iraq, achieving the National Command Authority desired end state of protecting the northern Arabian Gulf from the threat of an enemy initiated environmental disaster. By his noteworthy accomplishments, perseverance, and devotion to duty, Petty Officer Doherty reflected credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguished Device is authorized.