The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Apprentice David M. Buchanan, United States Navy, for gallant and heroic conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. SARATOGA off Battery, New York Harbor, New York, 15 July 1879. On the morning of this date, Robert Lee Robey, Apprentice, fell overboard from the after part of the ship into the tide which was running strong ebb at the time and, not being an expert swimmer, was in danger of drowning. Instantly springing over the rail after him, Apprentice Buchanan never hesitated for an instant to remove even a portion of his clothing. Both men were picked up by the ship’s boat following this act of heroism.