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43rd AW Dedicates HQ Building to MOH Recipients

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Pope members paid tribute to Medal of Honor recipients Lt. Col. Jay Zeamer Jr., and Lt. Joseph Sarnoski at the 43rd Airlift Wing Headquarters Building and adjoining Parade Ground dedication Oct. 17.

The two men were part of the "Eager Beavers," the most decorated aircrew for a single mission in American military aviation history. The wing headquarters building was named in honor of Colonel Zeamer while the adjoining parade grounds were dedicated in honor of Lieutenant Sarnoski. 

During one particularly harrowing mission, Colonel Zeamer's crew met with fierce opposition from Japanese fighter pilots after his team gained valuable information for an upcoming invasion. 

The Japanese attacks did not deter the crew, who continued to fight bravely while gathering vital information. The enemy pilots were held off while Colonel Zeamer's crew finished their reconnaissance efforts. During that extraordinary mission, Lieutenant Sarnoski was killed and Colonel Zeamer was severely wounded. The information Colonel Zeamer's crew gathered is said to have saved the lives of thousands of Americans. Their brave efforts earned both Colonel Zeamer and Lieutenant Sarnoski the Medal of Honor, as well as earned the other seven members of the crew the Distinguished Service Cross. 

The ceremony's officiating officer, Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott III, 18th Air Force Commander and former Pope Wing Commander, referenced the heroics of Colonel Zeamer and Lieutenant Sarnoski and said how important it is to remember our great heritage and the sacrifices of those who have gone before and given so much. Family members from both Medal of Honor recipients were present at the ceremony. 

"It was so impressive that I can't even begin to tell you," Barbara Zeamer, the late Colonel Zeamer's wife of 58 years," said. "Words cannot express how I felt about it. I cry every time I try. My family and I were so impressed. It was just so beautiful." 

"My husband would have loved it," Mrs. Zeamer added. "I am just sorry he couldn't be here. He would probably say, 'I don't know what the fuss is all about. I really didn't do anything but what I was supposed to do.' That is what he would say about it. He just believed very strongly in what he could do for this country and he did it well. It just feels like a tremendous honor to be here today. 

"My perception was that there would be a field and then the Airmen would show up at the ceremony, but it was so much better than I imagined," Jim Rembisz, the nephew of the late Lieutenant Sarnoski, said. "As I went around to all the different units today, I was touched with how gracious they all were. They shared with me how much they couldn't wait to come to the ceremony. I was just impressed with their sincerity. They were all so sweet. It was a day I will never forget." 

The family of Colonel Zeamer stood on the steps of the Wing Headquarters building with Col. John McDonald, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander and General Scott and pulled on the ropes, unveiling the newly named building. 

Mr. Rembisz also took his turn standing with Pope leadership as he helped to uncover the parade grounds memorial, which bore the name of his uncle. 

After the ceremony, Mr. Rembisz and members of the Zeamer family, took time to view the displays honoring the members of that heroic crew in the lobby of the Wing Headquarters building. 

"Everyone here has been so respectful and wonderful to us, and the ceremony itself was outstanding," said Jayne Zeamer , daughter of Colonel Zeamer. "It is very meaningful to me to hear people tell stories about my dad because I didn't always get to hear those stories growing up with him. It weaves the fabric of my dad's life together in a whole new light for me when I hear people talk about him like this."