Major Richard I. Bong
Military Awards and Decorations

Silver Star
Summary: On December 27, 1942 Bong earned the Silver Star for claiming two aerial victories over Buna on the north coast of New Guinea. At this stage of the Pacific War, the 5th Air Force (5th AF) awarded the Silver Star for two aerial victories claimed on the same mission.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 62 (1943)
Citation: "The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Richard Ira Bong (ASN: 0-433784), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force while serving as a P-38 Fighter Pilot with the 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, (then 370th Service Squadron, attached to 39th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group), in action against the enemy near Buna, New Guinea on 27 December 1942. Lieutenant Bong was a member of a flight of four P-38 airplanes which engaged a flight of fifteen to eighteen enemy aircraft at Dobodura, near Buna, New Guinea and destroyed seven of the enemy planes. Lieutenant Bong personally destroyed two of the enemy airplanes. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army Air Forces."

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