2nd Lt. Joseph R. Sarnoski
43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG), 65th Bombardment Squadron (65th BS)
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) B-17E "Lucy" 41-2666 bombardier earned Medal of Honor
Background
Joseph R. Sarnoski was born January 31, 1915 in Carbondale , PA. He graduated high school and worked as a clerk. On September 10, 1942 enlisted in the U.S. Army in Wilkes Barre, PA as a private with serial number 33353602. He was commissioned as an officer with serial number O-888520. Assigned as bombardier with the 5th Air Force, 43rd Bombardment Group, 65th Bombardment Squadron aboard B-17 Flying Fortresses and flew bombing and reconnaissance missions over New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland and the Northern Solomons.
Mission History
On June 16, 1943 volunteered as bombardier aboard B-17E "Lucy" 41-2666 on a solo photographic reconnaissance mission over Buka Airfield. After completing the photographic run, Intercepted by roughly twenty Zero fighters and survived a forty minute dog fight against the enemy fighters. Sarnoski manned the nose guns and fought off the first pass but was wounded but continued firing at the attackers, claiming two planes shot down. When a 20mm shell exploded in the nose knocked him back, he crawled back to his guns and resumed firing until he collapsed and died at his station. For his actions, Sarnoski earned the Medal of Honor on December 17, 1943. His pilot Captain Jay Zeamer, Jr. also earned the Medal of Honor.
Posthumous Medal of Honor (G.O. No.: 85, 17 December 1943)
 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 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."
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Memorials
Sarnoski was officially declared dead the day of the mission. Postwar he was permanently buried at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) at section A, site 582.
References
NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Joseph R. Sarnoski middle initial incorrectly listed as "S."
FindAGrave -
2LT Joseph R. Sarnoski (photos, grave photo)
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