Description
Most Decorated American Aircrew is the cover artwork of Ken’s Men Against the Empire Volume I. in the Eagles Over The Pacific hardcover book series.
This painting depicts B-17E #41-2666, nicknamed LUCY, piloted by Capt. Jay Zeamer, Jr. of the 65th Bomb Squadron, 43rd Bomb Group on June 16th, 1943 on a solo photographic mission over Bougainville Island intercepted by eight Japanese Zero fighters from 251 Kokutai. Pilot Zeamer refused to abort and held the plane on the required straight and level course until his assignment was finished.
During the air battle that followed, half of his crew was seriously wounded. The bombardier, 2/Lt. Joseph R. Sarnoski, fought back heroically throughout the engagement until he died of his injuries, earning him the Medal of Honor. Zeamer, although grievously injured himself, was also awarded the Medal of Honor for piloting the B-17 until the mission was complete, then assisting other crewmen on the long flight back to base in the severely damaged bomber, ensuring the safe return of the precious photos. The rest of the crew received the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), the second-highest award for valor, making them the most highly decorated American aircrew in history. Zeamer eventually recovered from his near-fatal injuries.
