Top 3 WWII Pilots Who Survived and Received the Medal of Honor

During World War II, many pilots from the Allied forces faced intense combat in the skies. A few of these men distinguished themselves through extraordinary bravery and leadership. The Medal of Honor, the highest military award in the United States, was given to only a select group of pilots who showed extreme valor in the face of overwhelming odds. These are the stories of three such pilots who survived their daring missions and were honored with the prestigious medal.

James H. Howard

On January 11, 1944, James H. Howard found himself deep in enemy territory near Oschersleben, Germany, as the leader of a P-51 Mustang group. His mission was to protect a formation of American bombers from German fighters. During the mission, his group was suddenly overwhelmed by a large number of enemy aircraft. Howard’s quick thinking and decisive action played a crucial role in saving the bombers.

As the enemy fighters closed in, Howard destroyed a German Me 110 before losing contact with his own group. Instead of retreating, he returned to the bomber formation and realized the bombers were under heavy attack. With no other friendly fighters in sight, Howard made the brave choice to engage the enemy alone. For 30 minutes, Howard fought against more than 30 German aircraft, managing to destroy three of them and damage several others. Even when three of his guns jammed and his fuel ran dangerously low, he continued fighting to defend the bombers. His bold actions helped protect the bombers from further destruction and ensured the success of the mission.

Howard’s incredible bravery earned him the Medal of Honor. His willingness to face such overwhelming odds alone, while showing remarkable skill and courage, made him a hero among his peers. His story continues to inspire military aviators to this day.

Jay Zeamer Jr.

Jay Zeamer Jr. was an accomplished pilot who earned the Medal of Honor for his bravery during a dangerous reconnaissance mission in the Solomon Islands on June 16, 1943. By that time, he had already flown many missions and was well respected among his fellow pilots. On that fateful day, Zeamer volunteered to fly a B-17 bomber into heavily defended enemy territory to capture crucial reconnaissance photos of Japanese positions around Buka.

As Zeamer and his crew approached their target, they noticed approximately 20 Japanese fighters on the ground, with many of them beginning to take off. Despite the clear danger, Zeamer pressed on with the mission, knowing that the reconnaissance photos were vital for the upcoming Allied operations. As the Japanese fighters began to attack, Zeamer’s plane came under heavy fire. He was shot multiple times in his arms and legs, with one of his legs broken. Yet, despite his injuries, Zeamer managed to keep control of the plane, allowing his crew to shoot down five enemy aircraft, one of which Zeamer himself destroyed.

Although he was losing blood and falling in and out of consciousness, Zeamer refused to relinquish control until the enemy fighters disengaged. Only then did he allow himself to be treated, after flying the damaged plane nearly 600 miles back to base. His actions that day not only saved his crew but also ensured the success of a critical reconnaissance mission that proved valuable to the Allied war effort. Zeamer’s exceptional leadership and bravery under fire earned him the Medal of Honor.

Joe Foss

Joe Foss became one of the most celebrated American fighter pilots during WWII, known for his incredible skill and tenacity. He quickly rose to fame in the Pacific Theater, where his exploits earned him widespread recognition. Foss first saw combat at Guadalcanal in October 1942, where he made an immediate impact. Just four days after arriving, he shot down his first Japanese plane, a Mitsubishi Zero. Foss continued to rack up victories, and within 12 days, he had shot down 16 enemy aircraft.

One of his most impressive feats occurred on October 25, 1942, when Foss managed to shoot down five Japanese planes in a single day, making him the Marine Corps’ first “ace in a day.” By the end of his time in the Pacific, he had shot down a total of 26 enemy aircraft, tying the record set by WWI ace Eddie Rickenbacker. Foss’s aggressive style and determination made him a feared opponent in the air and earned him the respect of his fellow pilots.

After contracting malaria and briefly returning to the United States, Foss was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in May 1943. He later returned to combat, but his second tour was cut short by a recurrence of malaria. Despite this, Foss’s achievements in aerial combat helped secure key victories for the Allies in the Pacific. After the war, Foss remained active in public life, serving as the governor of South Dakota and leading the National Rifle Association. His legacy as one of America’s greatest fighter aces lives on.