Medal of Honor: J. Zeamer Jr and J. R. Sarnoski

JAY ZEAMER JR

Major, US Army Air Corps; 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43rd Bomber Group

Born: 25 July 1918, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Died: 22 March 2007, Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Citation: On 16 June 1943, Maj. Zeamer (then Capt.) volunteered as pilot of a [Boeing B-17E] bomber on an important photographic mapping mission covering the formidably defended area in the vicinity of Buka, Solomon Islands. While photographing the Buka airdrome. his crew observed about 20 enemy fighters on the field, many of them taking off. Despite the certainty of a dangerous attack by this strong force, Maj. Zeamer proceeded with his mapping run, even after the enemy attack began. In the ensuing engagement, Maj. Zeamer sustained gunshot wounds in both arms and legs, 1 leg being broken. Despite his injuries, he maneuvered the damaged plane so skillfully that his gunners were able to fight off the enemy during a running fight which lasted 40 minutes. The crew destroyed at least 5 hostile planes, of which Maj. Zeamer himself shot down 1. Although weak from loss of blood, he refused medical aid until the enemy had broken combat. He then turned over the controls, but continued to exercise command despite lapses into unconsciousness, and directed the flight to a base 580 miles away. In this voluntary action, Maj. Zeamer, with superb skill, resolution, and courage, accomplished a mission of great value.


Note: Zeamer is one of seven Eagle Scouts who have been awarded the Medal of Honor.



JOSEPH R SARNOSKI

Second Lieutenant, US Army Air Corps; 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43rd Bomber Group

Born: 31 January 1915, Simpson, Pennsylvania
Died: 16 June 1943, over Solomon Islands

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty. On 16 June 1943, 2d Lt. Sarnoski volunteered as bombardier of a [Boeing B-17E] crew on an important photographic mapping mission covering the heavily defended Buka area, Solomon Islands. When the mission was nearly completed, about 20 enemy fighters intercepted. At the nose guns, 2d Lt. Sarnoski fought off the first attackers, making it possible for the pilot to finish the plotted course. When a coordinated frontal attack by the enemy extensively damaged his bomber, and seriously injured 5 of the crew, 2d Lt. Sarnoski, though wounded, continued firing and shot down 2 enemy planes. A 20-millimeter shell which burst in the nose of the bomber knocked him into the catwalk under the cockpit. With indomitable fighting spirit, he crawled back to his post and kept on firing until he collapsed on his guns. 2d Lt. Sarnoski by resolute defense of his aircraft at the price of his life, made possible the completion of a vitally important mission.