Zeamer, Jay, Jr., 1918-2007

Jay Zeamer Jr. (July 25, 1918 – March 22, 2007) was a pilot of the United States Army Air Forces in the South Pacific during World War II, and received the Medal of Honor for valor during an air mission on June 16, 1943. After the war, he became an aeronautical engineer and worked in the aerospace industry.

<p>MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. ARMY AIR CORPS</p>
<p>MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: JUNE 16, 1943</p>
<p>MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: OVER BUKA AREA, SOLOMON ISLANDS</p>
<p>CITATION: 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, one 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 flight which lasted 40 minutes. The crew destroyed at least five hostile planes, of which Maj. Zeamer himself shot down one. 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.</p>
<p>BORN: JULY 25, 1918, CARLISLE, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA, UNITED STATES</p>
<p>DIED: MARCH 22, 2007, BOOTHBAY HARBOR, ME, UNITED STATES</p>
<p>BURIED: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY SECTION 34, 809-4, ARLINGTON, VA, UNITED STATES</p>
<p>LOCATION OF MEDAL: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE, WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OH</p>