Lt. Colonel Jay Zeamer, Jr.
43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG), 65th Bombardment Squadron (65th BS)
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) B-17 Flying Fortress Pilot earned Medal of Honor

Background
Jay Zeamer, Jr. was born July 25, 1918 in Carlisle, PA. On February 8, 1940 enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC) in Newark, NJ as an aviation cadet with serial number 12008331. After graduating flight school he earned his wings and was comissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. On June 20, 1941 became part of the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF).

Wartime History
Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 22nd Bombardment Group (22nd BG) "Red Raiders", 19th Bombardment Squadron (19th BS). In the middle of March 1942 at Hickam Field then flown across the Pacific to Australia. During April 1942 at Garbutt Field near Townsville. During May 1942 Zeamer flew as co-pilot for pilot 1st Lt. Robert R. Hatch aboard B-26 "Dixie" 40-1496.

Later, transferred to the 43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG), 65th Bombardment Squadron (65th BS) as a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot flying bombing and reconnaissance missions over New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland and the Northern Solomons.

On November 20, 1942 at 9:45am took off piloting B-17E 41-9011 from 7 Mile Drome on a solo high altitude reconnaissance mission over Rabaul. Over the target, clouds obscured the area and the B-17 descended to 10,000' to take photographs and were intercepted by ten Zeros that made unorganized attacks. To evade them, dove towards clouds over Matupi at 3,000'. While diving, the ball turret door popped off and was able to take photographs then departed without being hit. Returning, the B-17 buzzed Buna believing it had been captured by the Allies but instead encountered anti-aircraft fire. When they landed, one of the tires was flat and the entire crew earned the Silver Star for the mission.

On June 16, 1943 took off piloting 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. Although wounded, Zeamer refused medical aid until the enemy had broken combat. He then turned over the controls, but continued to exercise command despite lapses into unconsciousness.

Medal of Honor
For his actions, Zeamer earned the Medal of Honor on January 4, 1944. His bombardier 2nd Lt Joseph R. Sarnoski also earned the Medal of Honor, posthumously. Zeamer also earned the Silver Star with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) with oak leaf cluster and Purple Heart.

Medal of Honor (G.O. No.: 1, 4 January 1944) Citation: "On 16 June 1943, Maj. Zeamer (then Capt.) 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, 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."

Postwar
On September 18, 1947 joined the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Memorials
Zeamer passed away on March 22, 2007 at age 88. He was buried with full military honors on May 10, 2007 at Arlington National Cemetery in section 34 site 809-4.

References
NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Jay Zeamer, Jr.
Los Angeles Times "Jay Zeamer, a Decorated Pilot in World War II, Dies at 88" March 26, 2007
Hall Of Valor - Jay Zeamer (MOH citation, Silver Star citation, Silver Star OLC citation, DFC citation, DFC citation OLC)
Arlington National Explorer (ANC Explorer) - Jay Zeamer, Jr. (grave photos)
FindAGrave - Jay Zeamer Jr. (photo, grave photos)
Revenge of the Red Raiders (2009) pages 39 (photo), 71 (photo), 125 (photos), 624 (index Zeamer)
Ken's Men Volume I (2016) pages 87 (November 20, 1942)

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