2LT Joseph Raymond Sarnoski (1915-1943)

World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. Served as bombardier for pilot Jay Zeamer's Eager Beavers in the 43rd Bomb Group's 65th Squadron, United States Army Air Corps. On June 16, 1943—three days prior to returning to the U.S.—he volunteered for an important photo-mapping mission of Bougainville Island in the Solomon Islands, which came to include an initial reconnaissance of Buka Island. When the mapping mission was nearly completed, at least nine enemy fighters intercepted his B-17, seriously injuring five of the crew. Despite intense, coordinated attacks against the nose of the bomber, he remained at his post. Mortally wounded, he continued to fire his machine gun until he collapsed on his guns. His defense of his aircraft at the price of his life made completion of a vitally important mission possible—still the most highly decorated single combat mission, and combat air crew, in USAF history. In addition to the Medal of Honor, his other awards include the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Air Medal.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith