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Medal of Honor recipient passes away

  • Published
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  
Lt. Col. Jay Zeamer, 43rd Bombardment Group (Heavy), a historic legacy of our wing's heritage, passed away March 22. Lt Col. Zeamer was 88 years old. Colonel Zeamer piloted "Old 666" on June 16, 1944, with what would be recognized as the most decorated aircrew of World War II. 

On that date, then Major Zeamer departed from Port Moresby, New Guinea, in a lone B-17 on an important reconnaissance mapping mission. He and his crew volunteered to photograph Japanese installations over Buka, part of the Solomon Islands, about 600 miles northeast of New Guinea, and to map the west coast of Bougainville in preparation for the American forces invasion. Weather limitations dictated theirs would be the only attempt to provide infantry troops with detailed charts and reconnaissance vitally important to reducing casualties. 

While photographing the Buka airdrome, his crew observed about 20 enemy fighters on the field, many of them taking off. Despite the tremendous odds, Major Zeamer continued the mapping run, knowing the enemy would eventually overtake him. In the initial wave of Japanese fighter attacks, Major Zeamer sustained gunshot wounds in both arms and legs, and one leg was broken. Despite his injuries, he maneuvered the damaged plane so skillfully his gunners were able to fight off the enemy fighters during a running dogfight lasting 40 minutes. The crew destroyed at least five Japanese aircraft, one of which was credited to Major Zeamer. 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. 

As a result of this voluntary action, Major Zeamer, with superb skill, resolution, and courage, accomplished a mission of great value and was awarded the Medal of Honor. 

(Information compiled from http://boothbayregister.maine.com/2007-02-15/medal_of_honor.html)