SARNOSKI, JOSEPH R.


Rank: Second Lieutenant
Organization: U.S. Army
Company:
Division: 43rd Bomber Group
Born: 30 January 1915, Simpson, Pa.
Departed: Yes
Entered Service At: Simpson, Pa.
G.O. Number: 85
Date of Issue: 12/17/1943
Accredited To:
Place / Date: Over Buka Area, Solomon Islands, 16 June 1943



 Citation


Army Medal of Honor

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.