Medal of Honor recipients (June 1943)

2LT Joseph Raymond Sarnoski, 28, USAAF (1915–1943)

65 BS, 43 BG (H), 5th Air Force
Over Buka, Solomon Islands
June 16, 1943
Presented October 25, 1945
Posthumous

sarnoski

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to 2LT (Air Corps) Joseph Raymond Sarnoski (ASN: 0-888520), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43rd Bombardment Group (H), Fifth Air Force.

On June 16, 1943, 2LT Sarnoski volunteered as bombardier of a 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, 2LT 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 five of the crew, 2LT Sarnoski, though wounded, continued firing and shot down two 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. 2LT Sarnoski by resolute defense of his aircraft at the price of his life, made possible the completion of a vitally important mission.

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CPT Jay Zeamer Jr., 24, USAAF (1918–2007)

65 BS, 43 BG (H), 5th Air Force
Over Buka, Solomon Islands
June 16, 1943
Presented January 16, 1944

080605-F-1234P-004

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to MAJ (Air Corps), [then CPT] Jay Zeamer, United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43rd Bombardment Group (H), Fifth Air Force.

On June 16, 1943, MAJ Zeamer volunteered as pilot of a 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, one 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 five hostile planes, of which MAJ Zeamer himself shot down one. 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.

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