- Rank:
- Rear Admiral
- Awarded on:
- June 1964
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from January 1962 to May 1964 as Commander Hawaiian Sea Frontier, Commandant, FOURTEENTH Naval District; and Commander, U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor. In his capacity as Commander Task Force 130 (the Project MERCURY Recovery Force in the Pacific), Rear Admiral Buchanan was responsible for the planning, organization, development, and command of the astronaut recovery organization in the Pacific Ocean areas. By his tireless personal and active participation in the operations, he assured the successful recovery operations of Commander Walter M. Schirra, Jr., USN, and his space capsule SIGMA 7 on 3 October 1962; and of Major Leroy G. Cooper, USAF, and his space capsule FAITH 7. on May 16, 1963."
Third LoM received as second Gold Star on ribbon