[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 127 (Wednesday, August 2, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       THE HEROIC EFFORTS OF MAJ. JAY ZEAMER, JR. IN WORLD WAR II

                                 ______


                        HON. JOHN ELIAS BALDACCI

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, August 2, 1995
  Mr. BALDACCI. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to speak today about an 
exceptional Mainer who served this country with great honor and courage 
during one of history's most terrifying wars, World War II.
  Maj. Jay Zeamer, Jr., exhibited uncommon courage and skill to 
complete his mission in the face of insurmountable odds. He was awarded 
this country's highest honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor. I would 
like to honor him again as the 50th anniversary of the end of World War 
II nears.
  Major Zeamer entered the service when he resided in Machias, ME. The 
Major was a volunteer bomber pilot who was charged with mapping a 
heavily defended region in the Solomon Islands. Even under the threat 
of a formidable Japanese fighter attack, Major Zeamer continued with 
his mission. In the ensuing fight, the crew destroyed five enemy 
aircraft. It was the Major's superior maneuvering ability that allowed 
the outnumbered bomber to successfully engage the enemy. All this was 
accomplished even though Major Zeamer was shot in both legs and both 
arms. Although he was seriously wounded, the Major did not give up 
until the enemy fighters had retreated. Mr. Speaker, it was courageous 
soldiers like this that allowed the United States to repel Japanese 
advances in the Pacific.
  Maine has a long and proud tradition of sending brave soldiers to 
fight for freedom at home and abroad. These brave men exhibited 
enormous skill and unbreakable courage in the face of death. From 
Joshua Chamberlain in the Civil War through Gary Gordon in Somalia and 
countless numbers in between, Maine patriots have fought so that others 
might live free.
  I am proud of Major Zeamer for all that he has given to the world. He 
fought not only for America, but to free the world from one of the most 
dangerous threats it had ever known. The efforts of Major Zeamer and 
his fellow soldiers helped purge the Pacific of Japanese imperialism. 
This country and the world will never forget his sacrifice.


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