Eager Beavers

B-17E "My Gal Sal" at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans
(Source)

She was a B-17E, delivered to the United States Army Air Forces at Minneapolis on 7 March 1943, she was initially assigned to the 435th Bomb Squadron (BS), 19th Bomb Group (BG) in Hawaii on 14 May 1942, then transferred to the 65th BS, 43rd BG in Australia. (Source)

She was heavily modified as a photo reconnaissance aircraft, loaded with extra machine guns, on her most famous photo mission, over Bougainville on the 16th of June 1943, she went into the history books as "Old 666," with the most highly decorated crew for a single mission of World War II. Two Medals of Honor and seven Distinguished Service Crosses, at the time the U.S. Army's second highest award. From a crew known as the Eager Beavers.

How many machine guns did Old 666 take on that mission -

In the Pacific Theater, Tail number 41-2666 is a shot up B-17 bomber with a reputation for being cursed named "Hard Luck Hattie," but in need of a ride, Captain Jay Zeamer, Jr. (born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1918, the pilot is a graduate of the Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana, winning marksmanship awards each year he is there, and before the war begins, graduates from M.I.T. with a B.S. in civil engineering, it is also at M.IT. that he gets his aviation license, learning how to fly in the school's flying club) takes on the project of resurrecting the plane from the scrapheap for photographic reconnaissance missions ... engines are replaced, the plane is lightened of all unnecessary gear, and its defensive capabilities are augmented by the addition of dual .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns in the radio compartment and at both waist positions, and a fixed .50 caliber machine gun is installed in the nose for the pilot to fire ... in all, the bomber will go from having ten guns, to having nineteen, and it becomes the most heavily armed plane in the entire Pacific ...  ... on 6/16/1943, it will need every one of them (by the time of his famous mission, 24-year-old Zeamer is his squadron's executive officer and has been awarded a Silver Star for a 1942 photo reconnaissance flight over Simpson Harbor on the island of Rabaul, as well as receiving an Oak Leaf Cluster for a 1943 flight over the same dangerous Japanese held island). (Source)

I have to thank RHT447 as the inspiration for this post, he sent me the following YouTube link in a comment to this post (which got Your Humble Scribe to digging deeper) -

For reference, here's where the crewmen sit on a B-17 Flying Fortress -

(Source)

The crew aboard Old 666 that day only numbered nine out of the usual ten for a B-17 crew, as shown above. A single crewman, apparently, manned the waist gunners' stations, though another source indicates that one crewman swapped between the ball turret and one of the waist stations, which I find hard to believe. You just don't climb in and out of that cramped ball turret position during combat. I tried to find more information on that, but most sources concentrate on the sheer number of Japanese fighter aircraft this lone bomber had to deal with.

Well sure, that, after all, was the real story. As for that ball turret gun -

The crew for that June day were:

• Capt Jay Zeamer, Pilot
• 2Lt John T. Britton, Co-Pilot
• 2Lt Joseph Raymond Sarnoski, Bombardier
• 1Lt Ruby Ernest Johnston, Navigator
• Sgt Johnnie James Able, Flight Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
• Sgt William Vaughan, Radio Operator
• TSgt Forrest Earl Dillman, Ball Turret Gunner/Waist Gunner (?)
• TSgt George Edward Kendrick, Waist Gunner
• Sgt Herbert Woodrow Pugh, Tail Gunner

The pilot, Capt. Zeamer, and the bombardier, 2Lt Sarnoski, both were awarded the medal of honor, 2Lt Sarnoski's was posthumous. Here are the citations for those medals:

Captain Jay Zeamer

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Major (Air Corps), [then Captain] Jay Zeamer, United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (H), 5th Air Force. On 16 June 1943, Major Zeamer 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 five 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. (Source)

2Lt Joseph Sarnoski

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Joseph Raymond Sarnoski (ASN: 0-888520), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (H), Fifth Air Force. On 16 June 1943, Second Lieutenant 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, Second Lieutenant 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 five of the crew, Second Lieutenant Sarnoski, though wounded, continued firing and shot down two 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. Second Lieutenant Sarnoski by resolute defense of his aircraft at the price of his life, made possible the completion of a vitally important mission. (Source)

The citations for the award of the Distinguished Service Cross to the other members of the crew are as follows:

2Lt John Britton

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) John T. Britton, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial action against enemy forces on 16 June 1943, during a Photo-Reconnaissance air mission over Bougainville Island. Second Lieutenant Britton was Co-Pilot of a volunteer bomber crew which undertook an important and dangerous photo mapping mission over the heavily defended enemy base at Buka. Just before the photographing was completed, about twenty enemy fighters attacked. The bomber was extensively damaged and five of the crew were seriously wounded. After a forty-five minute running fight, in which five enemy planes were destroyed and two damaged, the bomber was flown safely to its base five hundred and eighty miles away. Second Lieutenant Britton showed admirable skill and determined courage on this voluntary mission, which secured information of great value in subsequent operations. He aided the wounded pilot and administered first aid to other wounded crew members during the 600-mile return flight. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Britton on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces. (Source)

1Lt Ruby Johnston*

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Ruby Ernest Johnston, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Navigator of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial action against enemy forces on 16 June 1943, during a Photo-Reconnaissance air mission over Bougainville Island. First Lieutenant Johnston was a member of a volunteer bomber crew which undertook an important and dangerous photo mapping mission over the heavily defended enemy base at Buka. Just before the photographing was completed, about twenty enemy fighters attacked. The bomber was extensively damaged and five of the crew were seriously wounded. First Lieutenant Johnston, with multiple wounds about the head so that bleeding interfered with his vision, continued to man his guns until the explosion of a twenty millimeter shell in the nose of the bomber threw him back into the catwalk. He saw that fire had broken out behind the pilot's seat, got to his feet, tore out the burning oxygen bottles, and extinguished the fire bare-handed. After a forty-five minute running fight, in which five enemy planes were destroyed and two damaged, the bomber was flown safely to its base five hundred and eighty miles away, First Lieutenant Johnston supervising the navigation despite his injuries. He showed admirable skill and determined courage on this voluntary mission, which secured information of great value in subsequent operations. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces. (Source)

Sgt Johnnie Able

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Johnnie James Able, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Flight Engineer of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial action against enemy forces on 16 June 1943, during a Photo-Reconnaissance air mission over Bougainville Island. Sergeant Able was a member of a volunteer bomber crew which undertook an important and dangerous photo mapping mission over the heavily defended enemy base at Buka. Just before the photographing was completed, about twenty enemy fighters attacked. The bomber was extensively damaged and five of the crew were seriously wounded. After a forty-five minute running fight, in which five enemy planes were destroyed and two damaged, the bomber was flown safely to its base five hundred and eighty miles away. Sergeant Able showed admirable skill and determined courage on this voluntary mission, which secured information of great value in subsequent operations. Although he was shot through both legs, he continued to man his guns and without mentioning his wounds, took over the bomber's controls during part of the homeward trip so the co-pilot could administer first aid. The courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Able on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces. (Source)

Sgt William Vaughan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant William Vaughan (ASN: 15071291), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving in a B-17 Bomber of the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in action over Bougainville Island on 16 June 1943. Sergeant Vaughan was Radio Operator of a volunteer bomber crew which undertook an important and dangerous photo-mapping mission over the heavily defended enemy Base at Buka. Just before the photographing was completed, about twenty enemy fighters attacked. The bomber was extensively damaged and five of the crew, including the Pilot, were seriously wounded. Nevertheless, by skillful evasive flying and by expert gunnery on the part of the crew, successive enemy attacks were fought off. In this furious forty-five minute engagement, five enemy planes were destroyed and two damaged. Sergeant Vaughan, with a bullet wound in his neck, continued to man his guns until the enemy had broken combat. He then estimated the medical aid required and reported to all Bases at which the plane might land. As the navigation instruments were disabled, he then remained at his post and received bearings for the return flight of five hundred and eighty miles. Sergeant Vaughan showed admirable skill and courage on this voluntary mission, which secured information of great value in subsequent operations.(Source)

~ No photo available ~ 

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Technical Sergeant Forrest Earl Dillman, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Gunner of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial action against enemy forces on 16 June 1943, during a Photo-Reconnaissance air mission over Bougainville Island. Technical Sergeant Dillman was a member of a volunteer bomber crew which undertook an important and dangerous photo mapping mission over the heavily defended enemy base at Buka. Just before the photographing was completed, about twenty enemy fighters attacked. The bomber was extensively damaged and five of the crew were seriously wounded. After a forty-five minute running fight, in which five enemy planes were destroyed and two damaged, the bomber was flown safely to its base five hundred and eighty miles away. Technical Sergeant Dillman showed admirable skill and determined courage on this voluntary mission, which secured information of great value in subsequent operations. He fired so expertly and aggressively during the battle that he repeatedly broke up enemy attacks and accounted for one Japanese plane shot down. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces. (Source)

TSgt George Kendrick

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Technical Sergeant George Edward Kendrick, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Photographer and Gunner of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial action against enemy forces on 16 June 1943, during a Photo-Reconnaissance air mission over Bougainville Island. Technical Sergeant Kendrick was a member of a volunteer bomber crew which undertook an important and dangerous photo mapping mission over the heavily defended enemy base at Buka. Just before the photographing was completed, about twenty enemy fighters attacked. The bomber was extensively damaged and five of the crew were seriously wounded. After a forty-five minute running fight, in which five enemy planes were destroyed and two damaged, the bomber was flown safely to its base five hundred and eighty miles away. Technical Sergeant Kendrick showed admirable skill and determined courage on this voluntary mission, which secured information of great value in subsequent operations. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces. (Source)

Sgt Herbert Pugh

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Herbert Woodrow Pugh, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Tail Gunner of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial action against enemy forces on 16 June 1943, during a Photo-Reconnaissance air mission over Bougainville Island. Sergeant Pugh was a member of a volunteer bomber crew which undertook an important and dangerous photo mapping mission over the heavily defended enemy base at Buka. Just before the photographing was completed, about twenty enemy fighters attacked. The bomber was extensively damaged and five of the crew were seriously wounded. After a forty-five minute running fight, in which five enemy planes were destroyed and two damaged, the bomber was flown safely to its base five hundred and eighty miles away. During the return flight, Sergeant Pugh stayed in action throughout the battle, cared for the wounded, and observed landmarks for the navigator, who was half-blinded by head wounds. Sergeant Pugh showed admirable skill and determined courage on this voluntary mission, which secured information of great value in subsequent operations. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces. (Source)

B-17E Cutaway Drawing
(Source)

Brave men all, I cannot imagine flying in a single aircraft on a long mission like that, over the ocean, then being beset by multiple Japanese fighter aircraft over the target, then flying home with one man dead and a number wounded, including the pilot, Capt Zeamer, who is seriously wounded, when they landed, the ambulance guys thought he was dead!

They clanked when they walked, I'm sure...




Suggested Further Reading and Sources:

• The Amazing Medal of Honor Mission Link
• Zeamer's Eager Beavers Link
• Zeamer and the "Eager Beavers" Link
• OLD 666 Link
• VETERANS STORY: The Eager Beavers Link
• SUICIDE RUN: The Final Flight of Old 666 Link
• 43rd AW Dedicates HQ Building to MOH Recipients Link

* This photo was at one of the sources for this post. It was not labeled but was the only officer who wasn't otherwise accounted for. It is my assumption that this picture is of 1Lt Johnston.