After Decades, Vet Gets his Due - with Photo Gallery and Video

Press Release

Duane Zemper can't believe 65 years have passed since he photographed bombing runs during World War II and didn't bother to apply for medals he earned while serving in the Army Air Corps.

Like many from his generation, he left the military knowing he had done his part and focused on supporting himself. Zemper, 88, said he never bothered to apply for his medals, and he is certain others who served didn't get theirs as well.

"I was busy at the time making a living," he said.

On Monday, Zemper received a piece of history owed to him during a ceremony at The Opera House in Howell.

The Howell Rotary Club and U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton hosted the gathering, in which Rogers presented Zemper with a medal for good conduct and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign medal for his wartime service.

In September, Rogers' office presented Zemper with a World War II Victory medal.

Rogers said Zemper earned these medals and dismissed the common saying that someone "won" a medal. He also paid tribute to Zemper and his fellow peers.

"It's this core group who will get us through the tough times," Rogers said. "We are, unfortunately, rapidly losing one of the greatest generations."

He said this generation served their country without complaints. Rogers asked the audience to imagine young men ages 17-20, many of whom who had never left their communities, volunteering to serve their country and fighting in horrific battles.

He said this group did it "gladly and willingly."

Rogers said the medals he presented to Zemper really aren't for him but for the next generation, so people know that sacrifices sometimes are needed to preserve freedom. Zemper's two sons, Eric and Steve, attended the ceremony with their wives, and some of Zemper's grandchildren were also present.

Zemper led a team of 20 photographers who documented B-17 bombing missions over Europe during World War II. Zemper was assigned to a bomber group in Glatton, England. His work as a military photographer during the war was turned into a 20-minute PBS-produced documentary.

After the war, he returned home to Howell and captured images of local life by taking photographs of high school football games and dances as well as yearbook and senior pictures for more than 35 years. He's preserved that history through his volunteer work at Howell Carne-gie District Library archives.

Through it all, Zemper hasn't changed. He smiles and jokes easily, and loves to tell stories, which he did at Monday's ceremony.

He said he once told his commanding officers to "go to hell" and joked he was passed over for promotion. He eventually received his promotion when one of his officers was killed.

He explained that bombing runs sometimes lasted nine hours, and the only places for his fellow soldiers to go to the bathroom were in coffee cans.

Several World War II veterans attended the ceremony, and a color guard from the armed forces recruiting station in Howell brought in the flags.

"I think it was long overdue," Donald Burgett said. The Marion Township man is a highly decorated World War II veteran and author.

Burgett said his generation didn't put much importance on medals and memorials for their service.

"We had a war to win," he said.

Having lived through the Great Depression, Burgett said his generation was used to hard work and wearing hand-me-down clothing.

"We came home and went to work," Burgett said.

Joyce Fisher, who works with Zemper in the archives department at the Howell Carnegie District Library, helped start the ball rolling for him to receive his medals.

"He's a gem," Fisher said.

She said Zemper represents the World War II generation that served the country and returned home to continue with everyday lives.

Fisher noted that Zemper has played a huge role in chronicling the lives of Howell residents from the late 1940s until the 1970s. She said he was the photographer for the school yearbook, dances and for more than 35 years filmed the Howell High School football games.

Although he's nearly 90, Fisher said, Zemper still volunteers at the archives six days a week.

"He loves people," she said.

Eric Zemper, the historian's oldest son, said he's glad his father is receiving the recognition, but he hoped others who served would get their medals as well.

"I just wish they could do it for all of them," Eric Zemper said after the ceremony. While it's great his father is receiving some limelight due to the documentary, he said his father has told him that "a lot of people deserve it."

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