Buchanan, Allen, CAPT

Allen Buchanan was born on 22 December 1876 in Evansville, Indiana. Appointed from that same state to the U.S. Naval Academy, he graduated in January 1899 and served on board USS Solace, USS Oregon and the ex-Spanish Navy patrol gunboat Callao. Remaining at sea, he transferred to USS Monadock then to the ex-Spanish Navy gunboat Don Juan de Austria. Commissioned as an Ensign in January 1901, he reported back to Solace later transferring to USS Mayflower. In September 1904, Buchanan was promoted to Lieutenant and that December was assigned to the Naval Academy. Returning to sea duty in August 1906, he served in succession on the battleships Tennessee, New Jersey, Ohio, and New Hampshire. Two years later, he commanded USS Scorpion.


In September 1910, Buchanan was assigned duty at the Naval Academy. While at the Academy in February 1911, he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander. Three years later, he was ordered to USS Florida and participated in the intervention at Vera Cruz, Mexico. On 21-22 April 1914, while under continual fire and in points of great danger, he courageously commanded and skillfully directed the First Seaman Regiment to ensure the city's capture. For his "distinguished conduct in battle" on this occasion, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. After graduating from the Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island, in December 1916, he reported to the Division of Naval Militia Affairs in Washington, D.C. During World War I, Buchanan was temporarily promoted to Commander and commanded the destroyer Downes until returning to the U.S. to help fit out the destroyer McDermut. In October 1918, he was temporarily promoted to Captain and reported to Queenstown, Ireland, to briefly serve with the Destroyer Force until commanding USS Dixie.


In March 1919, Captain Buchanan led Flotilla One of Destroyer Squadron Three, Atlantic Fleet. In fall of 1920, he reported as the Recruiting Inspector to oversee the recruiting stations in Chicago, Illinois. A year later, he was reverted to Commander and became a staff member at the Naval War College. In June 1922, he was permanently promoted to Captain and reported a year later to command USS Henderson. In October 1924, he was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations at Washington, D.C. In August 1927, he commanded USS Omaha. Two years later, he was the Naval Aide to the President of the United States. In June 1930, he became the Chief of Staff at the Naval War College. In February 1932, he retired and was placed on the retired list. Allen Buchanan died on 12 January 1940 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy. Born: 22 December 1876, Evansville, Ind. Accredited to: Indiana. G.O. No.: 177, 4 December 1915. Other Navy award: Navy Cross.

Citation:

For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. In command of the 1st Seaman Regiment, Lt. Cmdr. Buchanan was in both days' fighting and almost continually under fire from soon after landing, about noon of the 21st, until we were in possession of the city, about noon of the 22d. His duties required him to be at points of great danger in directing his officers and men, and he exhibited conspicuous courage, coolness, and skill in his conduct of the fighting. Upon his courage and skill depended, in great measure, success or Failure. His responsibilities were great, and he met them in a manner worthy of commendation.[1]

Navy Cross citation
Citation:

The Navy Cross is awarded to Commander Allen Buchanan, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Downes, engaged in the important, exacting and hazardous duty of patrolling the waters infested with enemy submarines and mines, in escorting and protecting vitally important convoys of troops and supplies through these waters, and in offensive and defensive action, vigorously and unremittingly prosecuted against all forms of enemy naval activity.