Robert Lester Buchanan

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Lester Buchanan (0-326183), Ensign, U.S. Navy (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), embarked from 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.

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