Zeamer, Jay Jr.

Date of birth:: July 25th, 1918 (Carlisle/Pennsylvania, United States)
Date of death:: March 22nd, 2007 (Boothbay Harbor/Maine, United States)
Buried on:: Arlington National Cemetery
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: 19th Bombardment Squadron, 22nd Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: May 6th, 1943

"for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving in a B-17 Bomber of the 19th Bombardment Squadron, 22d Bombardment Group, in action against the enemy over Rabaul in April 1942. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."

Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 60

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: 65th Bombardment Squadrn, 43rd Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: May 26th, 1943

"For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a B-17 Bomber Pilot of the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, for 200 hours of operational flight missions in action against the enemy in in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award. (5th Air Force, General Orders No. 102)

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:: 403rd Bombardment Squadron, 43rd Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: 1943

"For gallantry in action against the enemy as a B-17 Bomber Pilot of the 403d Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations on 20 November 1942. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army Air Forces.`

Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 63

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

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

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award. (Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 123)

Medal of Honor - Army (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major
Unit:: 65th Bombardment Squadrn, 43rd Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: January 4th, 1944

"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."

General Order No. 1, 4 January 1944.