The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William J. Buchanan (ASN: 0-61439), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Lieutenant Colonel Buchanan distinguished himself by heroism in action on 20 March 1967, while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry during military operations near Bong Son, Republic of Vietnam. When one of his companies came in contact with a numerically superior enemy force, the company commander was mortally wounded and the company became pinned down by intense enemy fire from well concealed positions. To assist the company in withdrawing to a covered position, Lieutenant Colonel Buchanan, in the command and control helicopter, ordered his pilot to fly at a dangerously low altitude over the embattled area to allow his gunners to place suppressive fire on the enemy positions. Later, when a scout helicopter was downed near the company’s perimeter, Lieutenant Colonel Buchanan immediately directed his aircraft to the rescue, extracting the downed crewmembers before the enemy forces had an opportunity to reach the crash site. When a company requested emergency ammunition re-supply and medical evacuation, Lieutenant Colonel Buchanan directed his pilot to cover the mission with low level suppressive fire. Lieutenant Colonel Buchanan’s display of personal bravery and devotion to duty while under intense hostile fire was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
12th Cavalry RegimentDivision:
1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)Action Date:
March 20, 1967
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), General Orders No. 4087 (July 19, 1967) -
Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
12th Cavalry RegimentDivision:
1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)Action Date:
March 20, 1967
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), General Orders No. 3030 (June 10, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William J. Buchanan (ASN: 0-61439), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Lieutenant Colonel Buchanan distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 20 March 1967, while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during a search and destroy mission near Bong Son, Republic of Vietnam. On this date, one of the companies under Lieutenant Colonel Buchanan’s command was taken under fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. In the action that followed, the company commander was mortally wounded and the unit became disorganized, confused, and imperiled by the strong enemy unit. Lieutenant Colonel Buchanan immediately established an encirclement of the enemy force by bringing three more companies to block the routes of escape from the are and assist the beleaguered unit. Intense fighting raged throughout the night with the enemy suffering heavy casualties during his frantic attempts to break out of the containment. The following morning, Lieutenant Colonel Buchanan directed his command and control helicopter to land him within the company perimeter for the purpose of accurately evaluating the tactical situation and rendering reassurance to the officers and men of the unit. During his tour of the battle area, heavy enemy fire erupted from positions around the company defensive perimeter, which forced the men to seek available cover. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Colonel Buchanan crawled forward to the edge of the perimeter and personally directed artillery fire and airstrikes on the enemy positions. Lieutenant Colonel Buchanan’s courageous action and outstanding leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.