7th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment.

Awarded the DDistinguished Conduct Medal in the London Gazette of 17 April 1918.

Cherry was a native of Colne, Lancashire.

The citation for his Distinguished Conduct Medal in the London Gazette reads, "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when leading up ration parties to the front line. He never failed to deliver rations, even during the most intense fire, and his courage and fine spirit greatly inspired his men."

The Nelson and Colne Times reported: - OUR ROLL OF HONOUR - Colne NCO Presented with DCM. Before proceeding with the ordinary business at Colne Police Court, on Monday, the Mayor (Alderman E. Carr) said he had a very pleasing duty to perform, and that was to present the Distinguished Conduct Medal to Quartermaster Sergeant J. E. Cherry, of 39, Curzon Street, Colne. Alderman Carr said that this distinguished soldier was a native of Colne, and had enlisted in September, 1914, and from that time on had served with distinction. He was pleased to present him with that medal as Mayor of the town. He had other pleasing duties to perform of a similar character, but nothing relieved work of the Court more than incidents of this kind. He was sure he was voicing the feelings of the ratepayers and inhabitants of Colne in telling him he was a credit to the town. The Mayor then pinned the medal on CQMS Cherry's coat.