The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Pat Buchanan (NSN: 0-7681), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ZEILIN (APA-3), during operations in the Solomon Islands. The U.S.S. ZELIN took part in the initial occupation of Guadalcanal on 7, 8, and 9 August 1942, carrying troops, supplies and equipment for the occupation forces. On 13 October he took part in the reinforcement of the Guadalcanal garrison by the 164th Infantry. Captain Buchanan again entered this dangerous area on 11 November 1942, for the purpose of delivering vitally needed supplies for the troops ashore. While he was in the vicinity of Lunga Point enemy dive bombers attacked and his ship was struck aft and damaged. By his perseverance, determination and skillful seamanship she was kept afloat and taken out under her own power. On each occasion in which his ship entered Solomon waters it was subjected to either high bombing or torpedo attack and was threatened by strong enemy surface forces which were in the vicinity. In spite of this, Captain Buchanan successfully carried out his mission on each occasion. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Commander Amphibious Forces Pacific: Serial 00264 (August 28, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain Pat Buchanan (NSN: 0-7681), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. Captain Buchanan served under the command of the Commander, Group THREE, Amphibious Forces Pacific, in two operations, at Roi-Namur and at Guam, as Commander Transport Group. Prior to reporting for FLINTLOCK he had organized and conducted the ship to shore operations at Attu and Kiska and between FLINTLOCK and FORAGER he served similarly at HOLLANDIA. Captain Buchanan was engaged for three years in the development and training of transports for amphibious deployment. He made great and continuous contributions to the successful employment of that type. By his tireless and effective efforts and his unstinted devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 41 (January 8, 1947)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Pat Buchanan (NSN: 0-7681), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. As Commander Transports of an amphibious force, Captain Buchanan conducted the training of the attack transports involved in the Attu and Kiska operations and commanded them during the landing phase of the seizure and occupation of enemy-held Attu Island and during the occupation of Kiska Island. Despite the fact that the landings on Attu were made in dense fog and in hazardous and uncharted waters, the landing was highly successful. The high state of training of the ships and boats involved and the outstanding execution of their missions during the Attu and Kiska operations materially contributed to the success of these operations. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.