The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Jay Zeamer, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight over Rabaul, New Britain, on 6 April 1942. This B-26 type aircraft was one of a formation which participated in the first bombardment mission ever performed in this type airplane. The plane took off in the early morning from an advanced airdrome which was, even under the most favorable conditions, a dangerous field on which to operate a B-26. In darkness and heavy rain, with a low ceiling, the eight aircraft attempted to complete their formation. Two airplanes turned back, but the remaining six planes proceeded through the treacherous Owen-Stanley Mountain Range. After flying by instruments half way to Rabaul, the weather cleared and the approach to the target was made with good visibility. In the face of an exceedingly heavy anti-aircraft barrage and the danger of attack by three enemy Zeros which were seen taking off in an attempt to intercept the formation, three bombing runs were made on enemy shipping in the harbor. One cargo vessel was sunk and two others were seriously damaged. Two of the planes of the formation were struck by anti-aircraft fire, one of them being forced down in the water on the return trip. The remaining crews dropped life rafts to the stricken crew and then proceeded back to the base, where the B-26’s were landed with an average of ten minutes supply of fuel in their tanks. The ability, courage and eagerness to carry the attack to the enemy despite great odds, as displayed by these combat crew members, are in keeping with the finest traditions of their Service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Jay Zeamer, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a B-17 Bomber Pilot of the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in 200 hours of operational flight missions in the Southwest Pacific Area from 5 April 1942 to 27 January 1943, during which hostile contact was probable and expected. These operations consisted of long-range bombing missions against enemy airdromes, harbors, shipping and naval forces. Throughout these flights, outstanding ability and devotion to duty were demonstrated.