Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Ensign

Unit:

Torpedo Squadron 21 (VT-21), U.S.S. Belleau Wood (CVL-24), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

December 22nd, 1944

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron TWENTY-ONE (VT-21), attached to the U.S.S. BELLEAU WOOD (CVL-24), in operations against the enemy while participating in aerial flights. On 19 October 1944, Ensign Zeimantz participated in a torpedo attack against enemy shipping in the vicinity of the Central Philippines, which scored direct hits and left a large tanker sinking, probably sank a large cargo ship, and inflicted damage on two medium cargo ships. His own torpedo dropped at low altitude and close range and radical evasive maneuvers in retirement prevented an accurate estimate on results. On 25 October 1944, he participated in a bombing attack against an enemy carrier Task Group in the vicinity of the Philippine Sea, and scored a direct hit on an enemy aircraft carrier. This attack was pressed home with skill and determination despite the fact that it was executed in the face of severe anti-aircraft fire. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."