Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Apprentice David M. Buchanan received the Medal of Honor for his actions on July 15, 1879 off The Battery, New York Harbor, New York — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1871 - 1899 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Saratoga. Buchanan was 17 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Buchanan was born on January 28, 1862 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. His Medal of Honor is credited to Pennsylvania. Buchanan died on May 25, 1936 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of 74. He is buried at Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.
Official Medal of Honor citation
On board the U.S.S. Saratoga off Battery, New York Harbor, 15 July 1879. On the morning of this date, Robert Lee Robey, apprentice, fell overboard from the after part of the ship into the tide which was running strong ebb at the time and, not being an expert swimmer, was in danger of drowning. Instantly springing over the rail after him, Buchanan never hesitated for an instant to remove even a portion of his clothing. Both men were picked up by the ship's boat following this act of heroism.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Places
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Timeline
- January 28, 1862Born in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
- July 15, 1879Act of valor — off The Battery, New York Harbor, New YorkAge 17. U.S.S. Saratoga
- May 25, 1936Died in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAge 74.
- Resting placeArlington CemeteryDrexel Hill, Pennsylvania
Biography
David M. Buchanan (January 28, 1862 – May 25, 1936) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
From the Wikipedia article “David M. Buchanan”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
