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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Robert Lester Buchanan (NSN: 0-326183), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights against the enemy from 13 October 1944 to 17 February 1945. As a member of a division of carrier-based planes of Fighting Squadron TWENTY-NINE (VF-29), embarked in U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28), on numerous sorties over the Philippine Islands, Ryukyus and Formosa, he destroyed or damaged seven aircraft on the ground, by strafing, staffed and damaged a destroyer, sank one small freighter and assisted in the destruction of five luggers. He aided in strafing two luggers which burned and one fully loaded landing craft. In the strike against the enemy homeland on 17 February 1945, he served as escort for friendly bombers and accurately strafed enemy anti-aircraft positions despite their heavy return fire. His skill and calm disregard for personal safety under fire was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 29 (VF-29)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cabot (CVL-28)

    Action Date:

    October 16, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0592 (December 23, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Robert Lester Buchanan (NSN: 0-326183), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as the Pilot of a single-seater, carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWENTY-NINE (VF-29), attached to the U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28). On 16 October 1944, in the vicinity of Formosa, Ensign Buchanan was a wingman in an eight-plane formation on Combat Air Patrol. In the face of a large formation of enemy aircraft approaching his own task group he courageously pressed home his attacks and succeeded in destroying five enemy planes without damage to himself. His fearless and aggressive action and his excellent marksmanship contributed greatly to the repulse of this enemy threat and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.