 Lacking any experience in the B-17, Zeamer had to scrounge for flights at first as a self-described "squadron errand boy" before gaining combat experience in October as a substitute copilot and even navigator.Despite having not yet been checked out as first pilot in the B-17, Zeamer flew his first mission as pilot-in-command on November 20, a photoreconnaissance of Simpson Harbor at Rabaul, New Britain.He was awarded the Silver Star for the mission, which also served as his transition to first pilot.