David M. Buchanan

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.

Biography Buchanan joined the Navy from his birthplace of Philadelphia in October 1878, serving until the age of 21. By July 15, 1879, he was serving as an apprentice on the training ship . On that day, while Saratoga was anchored off Battery Park in New York Harbor, Apprentice Robert Lee Robey fell overboard and was swept away by a strong tidal current. Without hesitation, Buchanan jumped into the water and went to Robey, who was not a strong swimmer. Another sailor, Apprentice John Hayden witnessed the event and, when it seemed that Buchanan needed assistance, he too jumped overboard and helped keep Robey afloat until all three men were picked up by the ship's boat. For this action, both Buchanan and Hayden were awarded the Medal of Honor a week later, on July 22.