The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John Edward Buchanan (NSN: 0-303828), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 18 October 1944 to 22 October 1944. Lieutenant Buchanan completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
EnsignBatallion:
Composite Squadron 3 (VC-3)Division:
U.S.S. Kalinin Bay (CVE-68)Action Date:
October 24, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign John Edward Buchanan (NSN: 0-303828), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against Japanese aircraft in the Leyte Islands, Philippine Islands, campaign on 24 October 1944. While serving with Composite Squadron THREE (VC-3), aboard the U.S.S. KALININ BAY (CVE-68), Ensign Buchanan, with other friendly planes, engaged an enemy formation of twenty-one planes attempting to attack friendly transports in Leyte Gulf. Realizing the urgent necessity for destroying this formation before it could attack the friendly ships, Ensign Buchanan with his group, pressed home repeated and determined attacks, definitely destroying nineteen bombers. His total of three planes definitely destroyed is considered to have contributed materially to the destruction of this enemy force. By this action he inflicted serious damage on the enemy thus ably assisting in saving our own forces from destruction. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.