SARNOSKI, JOSEPH R. - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Corps, 43rd
Bomber Group, Place and date: Over Buka Area, Solomon Islands, 16 June
1943. Entered service at: Simpson, Pa. Born. 30 January 1915, Simpson,
Pa. G.O. No.: 85, 17 December 1943. Citation: 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.
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