Sarnoski, Joseph Raymond

Date of birth:: January 30th, 1915 (Simpson/Pennsylvania, United States)
Date of death:: June 16th, 1943 (Over Buka, Solomon Islands.)
Buried on:: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: 2nd Lieutenant
Unit:: 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43rd Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: 1943

Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 123

Medal of Honor - Army (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: 2nd Lieutenant
Unit:: 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43rd Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: December 17th, 1943

"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."

Awarded posthumously