The Most Honored Photograph

[GDS_Starfury]

you guys are going to LOVE this story!

http://petapixel.com/2013/10/29/honored-photograph/

[steve58]

Great story!  Thanks!  Had to laugh at the part where Zeamer fell asleep during a bombing run during heavy AA  ;D

[Steelgrave]

That story is so chock full of amazing.....thanks for sharing, Star.

[Staggerwing]

Thanks for posting that Star. Reading such a story is just the thing to put the day's crap into a better perspective.

[GDS_Starfury]

my pleasure guys.

Reading such a story is just the thing to put the day's crap into a better perspective.

yes you may have had a crap Monday but you didnt spend it with 20mm splash damage to your chest.
I can see this story being made into a movie Id want to see.

[Staggerwing]

yes you may have had a crap Monday but you didnt spend it with 20mm splash damage to your chest.

Exactly!

[steve58]

Such a great story, seems especially appropriate for Veterans Day...made me go do some internetting.

Here are the MoH citations for Zeamer and Sarnoski

On 16 June 1943, Major Zeamer (then Captain) 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, Major Zeamer proceeded with his mapping run, even after the enemy attack began. In the ensuing engagement, Major 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 fight which lasted 40 minutes. The crew destroyed at least 5 hostile planes, of which Major 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, Major Zeamer, with superb skill, resolution, and courage, accomplished a mission of great value.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty. On 16 June 1943, 2d Lt. Sarnoski volunteered as bombardier of a crew on an important photographic mapping mission covering the heavily defended Buka area, Solomon Islands. When the mission was nearly completed, about 20 enemy fighters intercepted. At the nose guns, 2d Lt. Sarnoski fought off the first attackers, making it possible for the pilot to finish the plotted course. When a coordinated frontal attack by the enemy extensively damaged his bomber, and seriously injured 5 of the crew, 2d Lt. Sarnoski, though wounded, continued firing and shot down 2 enemy planes. A 20-millimeter shell which burst in the nose of the bomber knocked him into the catwalk under the cockpit. With indomitable fighting spirit, he crawled back to his post and kept on firing until he collapsed on his guns. 2d Lt. Sarnoski by resolute defense of his aircraft at the price of his life, made possible the completion of a vitally important mission.

[Staggerwing]

You ever get the feeling that certain groups of people were destined to gather together for no good reasons apparent at the time?

[GDS_Starfury]

Ive had many occasions where Ive seen that.

lucky me!  ;D

[Martok]

Awesome story, Star.  Thanks for sharing! 

(I'm amazed this one hasn't been made into a film yet...) 

[GDS_Starfury]

reflecting on the idea of this story being made a film made me realize how full of cliches it would be even if its 100% historically accurate.

[bob48]

Incredible!

Thanks for sharing that.