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Widow of historic WWII vet loans Medal of Honor to 43rd AW

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jon LaDue
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  More than 40 Airmen from Pope took a trip to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia last May to show appreciation and pay respects for a decorated World War II veteran, Lt. Col. Jay Zeamer, Jr., who died at the age of 88. 

Now, Colonel Zeamer's surviving widow, Barbara Zeamer, will help the 43rd Airlift Wing showcase his legacy by loaning the 43rd his medals, including his original Medal of Honor -- the nation's highest award. 

Members of Pope can pay tribute and help carry on the legacy of Colonel Zeamer, by visiting the foyer in the Wing Headquarters building, which has been dedicated to him and his crew. 

At the rank of captain, Colonel Zeamer was a B-17 aviator for the 43rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) in the Army Air Corps. He agreed to fly a voluntary, but dangerous, reconnaissance and aerial photo mission of Burka Island near the Solomon Islands. On June 16, 1943, Colonel Zeamer and other members of his crew were injured by more than 20 Japanese aircraft that had taken off to intercept the B-17, according to Colonel Zeamer's citation. For his superior actions and injuries sustained, Colonel Zeamer was awarded the MOH and Purple Heart. Not only were his actions heroic but his leadership and determination to accomplish the mission allowed for his crew to be the most decorated crew in history earning two medals of honor and seven distinguished service crosses. 

Now, pieces of that historic flight will be displayed and his family couldn't be happier.
"My father loved the 43rd," said Jacque Damon, "I heard him talk about it a lot, later on, he would share stories of the people of the 43rd. I think they are doing a wonderful job." 

Mrs. Zeamer had a couple of different choices of what to do with her husband's medals. She could have given them to the Army or Air Force Museums, passed them on to future generations or simply held on to them. She was very adamant, however, that they go to the 43rd. 

"I don't want these medals to end up in an attic somewhere," Mrs. Zeamer said, "I want his legacy to be remembered...I don't want [them] kept anywhere but Pope." 

When first activated, the 43rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) was at Langley, but also had operations at MacDill and Pope, so aside from the historic artifacts returning to the 43rd, it is also fitting that they return to one of the root bases as well, said Keith Alexander, 43rd AW historian. 

Mrs. Zeamer said she is very excited about continuing the heritage behind her husband's legacy because she is proud of what her husband did and thinks everyone should be informed of what he did that day too. 

"I just want him to be remembered by another generation," said Mrs. Zeamer.
Colonel Zeamer's attitude toward that mission and his service in general is exactly what has made him the World War II legend he is today. He never felt like he should be dubbed a hero, said Jacque, he would never draw attention to his accomplishments.
But he eventually was able to put his modesty aside and toward the end of his life he understood the need to represent all of his fallen comrades. 

"Daddy started realizing the impact of it as time went on...how other people were reacting to his tale," said Jayne Zeamer. 

"Later on he embodied what the mission represented," said Jacque, "he knew his role was to let other people know that the military is important to the freedom of this country."
Colonel Zadalis traveled to Winchester, Mass., Jan. 4 to accept possession of the loaned medals from Mrs. Zeamer. 

He promised her his best efforts to keep Colonel Zeamer's legacy always remembered.
"My big thing with Pope and the history of the 43rd is that it's such a rich history, but nowhere has it been captured," said Colonel Zadalis. 

With the help of Mrs. Zeamer and her daughters the 43rd will not only be able to tell stories of the 43rd's rich tradition -- they will be able to show it off as well.