U.S. NAVY CROSS PRESENTED

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23940, 6 May 1943, Page 4

U.S. NAVY CROSS PRESENTED

POSTHUMOUS AWARD TO NEW ZEALANDER (P.A.) WELLINGTON, April 5. The American Navy Cross, awarded posthumously to Leading Signalman C. H. Buchanan. R.N.Z.N.V.R.. who was mortally wounded in the successful engagement between two New Zealand corvettes and a Japanese submarine off Guadalcanar on January 29-30. was presented to his mother and father. Mr and Mrs J. W. Buchanan, of Fox street. Port Chalmers, at a function this afternoon in the office of the Prime Minister at Parliament House. The presentation was made by Mr Raymond E. Cox, Charge d’Affaires at the’ United States Legation, in the name of President Roosevelt, and on behalf of the Commander of the South Pacific Area and the South Pacific Force (Admiral W. F. Halsey). The citation said that Signalman Buchanan. although mortally wounded, courageously remained at his battle station during the entire action. He skilfullv trained a searchlight on the submarine and kept the target il.uminated for ths guns of his ship. His valorous action, taken with complete disregard for his own safety, contributed materially to the destruction of the enemv and was in keeping with the highest traditions of naval service. The citation is signed by Admiral Halsey.