Major Richard I. Bong
U.S. Army Air Force, 5th Air Force, 49th Fighter Group, 9th Fighter Squadron and 5th Fighter Command (V Fighter Command)
P-38 Lightning Pilot and Highest Scoring American Ace

Background
Richard Ira Bong was born September 24, 1920 to parents Carl T. Bong and Dora May Bryce Bong as the first of nine children in Poplar, Wisconsin. Nicknamed "Dick". His father was an immigrants from Sweden and his mother an American of Scotch-English descent and their children grew up on the family farm. In 1934, he entered Poplar High School for three years then transfered to Central High School in Superior for his senior year and graduated with the class of 1938 then entered Superior State Teachers College (today University of Wisconsin–Superior) and took private flying lessons.

Wartime History
On May 29, 1941 he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC) as an aviation cadet with serial number 16022192. On June 20, 1941 he became part of the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). He attended flight school and earned his wings. On January 9, 1942 commission as a 2nd Lieutenant with service number O-433784 at at Luke Field in Arizona. During May 1942 assigned to Hamilton Field and learned to fly the P-38 Lightning.

During the summer of 1942, Bong was charged with flying a loop over the the Golden Gate Bridge and thought he would be subjected to a court martial and kicked out of the Army. The same day, three other P-38 pilots flew under the Golden Gate Bridge John G. O'Neill, John H. Mangas and Mitchell. Later, when visiting home on leave in November 1943, he confided to his family that he buzzed the house of a pilot friend who had just been married and was turned in and did not fly a loop over the the Golden Gate Bridge.

Wartime History
Bong was then flown overseas as a passenger aboard a B-24 Liberator from the west coast via Hickam Field then across the Pacific bound for Australia. Four P-38 pilots were crammed into the nose: Carl G. Planck, Jr., Norman "Sneezy" D. Hyland, Walter M. Markey, Jr. and Bong. In Australia, Bong and Planck were assigned to a newly formed 17th Fighter Squadron (Provisional).

By November 1942 Bong and Planck were transferred to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 49th Fighter Group (49th FG), 9th Fighter Squadron (9th FS) “The Flying Knights” one of two squadrons selected to fly to the P-38 Lightning.  Planck and Bong were among a group of new pilots in the South West Pacific theater with experience flying the P-38. They began helping American fighter pilots fly the new twin engine fighter and convert from the P-40 Warhawk and P-39 Airacobra.

Aircraft Flown and Assigned
Bong flew many different P-38 Lightnings during three tours of duty in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) during World War II. Only some of the specific P-38s are known when he claimed aerial victories and when the serial number was recorded in combat reports.

Aerial Victory Claims
Bong was credited with a a total of 40 aerial victories and was America's highest scoring fighter pilot of World War II. All of his aerial victory claims were flying the P-38 Lightning over New Guinea, New Britain, Borneo and the Philippines.

First Tour of Duty
Bong, Planck, Markey and Hyland were moved up to New Guinea and began flying from 14 Mile Drome (Schwimmer) near Port Moresby and were temporarily attached to the 39th Fighter Squadron (39th) to help them transition to the P-38 Lightning and gain combat experience.

During late November 1942, 14 Mile Drome was visited Edward "Eddie" V. Rickenbacker and General George C. Kenney. While touring the airfield, he chatted with fighter pilots including Bong and discussed his record of 26 aerial victories. During the conversation, Kenney spontaneously promised to give a case of scotch to first pilot to Rickenbacker's World War I record of 26 aerial victories and Rickenbacker promised a second case of scotch.

On December 27, 1942 took off from 14 Mile Drome (Schwimmer) near Port Moresby piloting P-38F Lightning 42-12644 as one of ten P-38s on a patrol over Buna. Also flying were P-40E Warhawk pilots from 7th Fighter Squadron (7th FS) and 9th Fighter Squadron (9th FS). At noon over Dobodura, the P-38 and P-40 pilots intercepted in a dog fight with Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) D3A Vals and A6M Zeros from 582 Kōkūtai (582 Air Group) plus Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) Ki-43-I Oscars from 11th Hiko Sentai (11th Flying Regiment). This was the first combat by the P-38 Lightning in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). During the air combat, Bong claimed his first two aerial victories: the first for a Val and the second for a Zero. For his actions, Bong earned the Silver Star. 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 George C. Kenney later wrote in Dick Bong page 23 "a little towheaded, pink-cheeked kid named Second Lieutenant Richard I. Bong, my former bad boy from San Francisco, got two..."

On December 31, 1942 took off from 14 Mile Drome near Port Moresby piloting P-38F 42-12624 as part of "Red Flight" flying as wingman for flight leader 1st Lt. Thomas J. Lynch as one of twelve P-38s escorting B-25 Mitchells from 38th Bombardment Group (38th BG), B-26 Marauders from 22nd Bombardment Group (22nd BG) plus six A-20s from 3rd Bombardment Group (3rd BG), 89th Bombardment Squadron (89th BS) on a mission to bomb and strafe parked planes at Lae Airfield. Over the target, Bong made frontal attacks against Zekes [sic Ki-43-I Oscars]. Bong claimed a probable victory and commented the Japanese were "high grade" and made aggressive frontal attacks.

On January 7, 1943 Bong took off from 14 Mile Drome as one of six P-38s led by Captain Thomas J. Lynch with 2nd Lt. Carl G. Planck, Jr. on a Combat Air Patrol (CAP) over Lae. The P-38s engaged Japanese fighters defending the unloading of a convoy from Rabaul. During the air combat, Bong claimed two Oscars over Huon Gulf (aerial victory claim no. 3 and aerial victory claim no. 4).

On January 8, 1943 took off from 14 Mile Drome piloting P-38F 42-12653 on a mission over Lae. Over the target, he claimed an Oscar, his fifth aerial victory and became an ace.

On March 3, 1943 took off from 14 Mile Drome piloting P-38G Lightning during the Battle of the Bismarck Sea at 10:15am over Huon Gulf claimed an Oscar shot down, his sixth confirmed aerial victory. He also claimed a Oscar probable.

On March 6, 1943 the 9th Fighter Squadron and 49th Fighter Group Headquarters moves from 14 Mile Drome to Horanda Drome (Dobodura No. 4) and camped nearby. The area was quickly developed from kunai grass into a major U.S. Army base area. Initially, the area lacked any facilities and tractors carrying fuel drums were used to refuel the squadron's Lightnings. This new base allowed aircraft to operate from the north coast of New Guinea. A month later, rest of the 49th Fighter Group including the 7th Fighter Squadron and 8th Fighter Squadron moved from Port Moresby to Horanda Drome (Dobodura No. 4).

On March 11, 1943 took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura No. 4) piloting P-38G Lightning Squadron Number 80 as part of "Green Flight" from 9th Fighter Squadron led by Lt. Fowler with Carl Planck as his wingman with Hanning and Overson. After climbing to 26,000', they were vectored to intercept twenty-four G4M1 Betty bombers escorted by A6M Zeros flying at 15,000' east of Oro Bay. A formation of Woods, Mankin and Bong in close echelon formation attacked a Betty bomber. Bong fired at an inverted Zero in a dive and pulled out at 475 mph above sea level. After pulling up and reversing course, he made a head on pass at an A6M Zero with a centerline drop tank and fired a long burst at it causing it to erupt in flames. Then fired on another A6M Zero with a centerline drop tank with a short burst, followed by an attack on seven other Zeros head on with a 20 degree deflection shot at the nearest plane and accelerated away. As he departed the area, one of the Zeros fired on his P-38 from the left quarter and hit his plane, causing a coolant leak on the left engine. Returning from the mission, he landed at Horanda Drome with a single engine. Bong was credited for two victories, his seventh and eight victory claims and earned an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star. Also, a Zero probable and Betty as damaged.

On March 29, 1943 at 10:10am took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura No. 4) piloting P-38G-5 Lightning as one of four P-38s on a patrol of the Dobodura area and while airborne spotted a twin engine enemy plane at 10 o'clock high. Bong and Lt. Barnes released their drop tanks and climbed to intercept. The enemy plane saw them and began to dive to gain speed and likely in an attempt to escape. On his first firing pass, Bong opened fire from long range with a 30° deflection shot from behind and hit the left wing and left engine that began to smoke. Next, Lt. Barnes made a pass and the plane dove. Bong then made a second pass hitting the tail and a third pass without scoring any hits. At 11:43am Bong made a fourth pass and stayed on the enemy's tail and fired until it exploded midair at roughly 12,000' then crashed into the Bismarck Sea roughly 40 miles off the coast of New Guinea. Bong claimed a a "Doris" likely Ki-46 Dinah his ninth aerial victory claim that was witnessed by the other three pilots: Lt. Barnes, Lt. McComesy and Lt. Donell then all four P-38s landed at 12:30pm. Afterwards, he was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. (References: Mission Report No. 188, Combat Report March 29, 1943 and Bong Logbook remarks for March 29, 1943 via Dear Mom page 221).

On April 14, 1943 took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura 4) piloting P-38G Lightning leading "Green Flight" on a mission to intercept an incoming Japanese air raid sighted over Goodenough Island. After take off two from Bong's element: 2nd Lt. Milliff and 2nd Lt. Nutter experience engine trouble and aborted the mission leaving only Bong and Planck to proceed together but Planck's P-38 had problems with a non-functioning generator causing a loss of power.  Nevertheless, he formed up on Bong's wing and climbed to 25,000' to serve as high cover. Unable to find the enemy, the P-38s were vectored to Milne Bay and intercepted a formation of three waves of G4M1 Bettys and attacked from the rear. Planck's starboard supercharger emitted smoke and flames and aborted the mission. Bong engaged G4M1 Betty left flank wingman and fire with all his guns hitting the cockpit and left engine and caused it to pull out of formation into an overcast when it was attacked by other fighters then crashed into Milne Bay. Afterwards, Bong was intercepted by A6M Zeros and hit by a 20mm cannon shell in his elevator. The damage prevented him from attacking more of the bombers. Bong was awarded his tenth aerial victory for the Betty and earned the Air Medal. He was also credited with a Betty probable.

On June 5, 1943 took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura 4) on a two hour patrol mission to observe a rescue party aiding 2nd Lt. Paul Yeager who bailed out of P-38G Lightning 43-2269 near Big Embi Lake on June 2, 1943. Observing a large crocodile in their path, Bong made a firing pass using his 20mm cannon to destroy the animal. His "croc kill" was written up in Australian newspapers.

On July 10, 1943 took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura 4) leading "Yellow Flight" with P-38G Lightning 43-2271 pilot 1st Lt. Frederick J. Sibley and P-38 pilot 1st Lt. Walter M. Markey on a mission to escort C-47 transports over the the Salamaua to Mubo area. The weather was strata clouds from 10,000' up to 25,000' with 8/10 coverage and cumulus clouds over the mountains. The trio covered the area until 1:25pm then returned following the coast and flying at low altitude of 50' to 100' over the sea then 20 miles later noticed Sibley was missing. Bong circled in hopes he would catch up and called him over the radio without response. After landing, he reported the loss and later that afternoon flew a search mission with Captain William F. Haney for the missing plane and pilot. Afterwards, Bong made a statement that appeared in Missing Air Crew Report 15081 (MACR 15081) page 8.

On June 12, 1943 took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura 4) piloting P-38G Lightning on a mission and claimed an Oscar roughly 10 miles southeast of Bena Bena, his eleventh aerial victory claim. He also claimed another Oscar as damaged. Afterwards, promoted to the rank of Captain.

On July 26, 1943 Bong took off on a mission and was credited with four enemy aircraft, his twelve, thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth aerial victory credits.

On July 28, 1943 took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura 4) piloting P-38G Lightning Number 73 on a mission to escort B-25s on a mission against Cape Gloucester. Over the north coast of New Britain off Cape Raoult at 8:15am, the P-38s spotted twelve to eighteen Ki-43 Oscars and the P-38s released their drop tanks and attacked. During the combat, two Oscars attacked Bong until P-38H "Charlcie Jeann" 42-66516 pilot Captain Watkins came to his aid. Afterwards, Bong made a head on pass against another Oscar and claimed it as shot down, his sixteenth aerial victory. Reference: Combat Report Captain Watkins July 28, 1943, 49th Fighter Group Aces of the Pacific inside cover).

On September 6, 1943 Bong took off leading "Blue Flight" on a mission to intercept by a formation of Japanese fighters and bombers in the vicinity of Lae and Finschhafen. Lost is P-38G 42-12850 pilot 2nd Lt. James W. Fagan (MIA).

On October 2, 1943 Bong claimed an aerial victory, his seventeenth aerial victory credit.

On October 24, 1943 Bong took off leading "Red Flight" on an escort mission for B-25 Mitchells over Rabaul. Flying as his wingman was P-38 pilot 2nd Lt Woodson W. Woodward, element leader 1st Lt. Norman D. Hyland and element wingman Milliff. Over the target, Bong and Woodward spotted enemy aircraft below, released their drop tanks and intercept the Zeros but failed to score any hits. Afterwards, the Zeros turned into the P-38s and caused "Red Flight" to separate. Only Bong and Milliff reformed to escort the B-25s, while Hyland joined a dogfight north of Tobera Airfield. Woodward never rejoined formation and was never seen again.

On October 29, 1943 Bong claimed two aerial victory credits his eighteenth and nineteenth aerial victory credits.

On November 5, 1943 took off from Kiriwinia Airfield piloting P-38H 42-66847 (Nose 79) as flight leader of "Red Flight" on an mission to escort B-24 Liberators over Rabaul. Over the target, Bong claimed two victories, his twenty and twenty-first aerial victories. His wingman, P-38F "Sooner" 42-12655 pilot 2nd Lt. George C. Haniotis went Missing In Action (MIA).

On November 7, 1943 Bong took off from Kiriwinia Airfield with wingman 1st Lt. Ralph H. Wandrey leading a mission to escort B-24 Liberators over Rabaul. Over Simpson Harbor, no enemy planes were spotted so the P-38s flew between the peaks of Mother (Mount Kombiu) and Daughter volcanoes then made a low pass over the Malaguna Road the main street in Rabaul and claimed to observe vehicles pulling off the road to take cover before pulling up with anti-aircraft fire busting behind them. Afterwards, the formation returned without any interception. Reference: Protect & Avenge (1995) page 214.

On November 11, 1943 he was given sixty days leave and reassigned to 5th Fighter Command (V FTR) as assistant operations officer in charge of replacement airplanes.

On December 4, 1943 Bong was flown back across the Pacific to the United States two days later. He returned home and in late December 1943 visited upstate New York to visit John G. O'Neill and his family. On December 21, 1943 they visited Ithaca Airport to visit the Ithaca Flying Service where O'Neill learned to fly in 1940. Afterwards, the pair went on a War Bond tour in the United States.

Second Tour of Duty
Returning to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA), at the start of his second tour of duty, Bong was assigned to 5th Fighter Command (V FTR), Headquarters as a staff officer and continued to fly combat missions. Assigned P-38J 42-103993 that he nicknamed it "Marge" in honor of his girlfriend, Marjorie "Marge" Ann Vattendahl with her portrait painted on the left side of the nose.

On February 15, 1944 took off piloting P-38J "Marge" 42-103993 on a mission over Cape Hoskins and claimed a Ki-61 Tony, his twenty-second aerial victory. This was his first victory claim during his second tour of duty.

On March 3, 1944 took off piloting P-38J "Marge" 42-103993 with P-38J Lightning pilot Lt. Col Thomas J. Lynch and claimed two aerial victories over Tadji Airfield for Ki-21 Sally bombers, his twenty-third and twenty-fourth aerial victories.

On March 5, 1944 took off piloting P-38J "Marge" 42-103993 on a mission over Dagua Airfield and claimed a Ki-43 Oscar as a probable and a Ki-43 Oscar as damaged.

On March 8, 1944 Bong took off piloting P-38J Lightning from Nadzab Airfield with P-38J 42-103987 pilot Lt. Col Thomas J. Lynch on a fighter sweep over Aitape. Observing no planes in the air or on the ground, the pair they spotted six Japanese barges in Aitape Harbor. Both pilots made strafing runs, setting at least one of them on fire. As the pair came around for a second pass, anti-aircraft fire opened up from below, and caught Lynch's P-38 in the right engine, and caused it to burst into flames and he bailed out at low altitude. Bong's P-38 also sustained damaged and witnessed Lynch bail out then return safely but was visually shaken and nervous when he returned. His ground crew including Cpl Herman Ladner counted 87 bullet holes in one engine and the other had a blown oil line but had not hit any vital spots.

In the middle of March 1944, Bong flew on early morning weather reconnaissance flights to Tadji with a pair of P-38s from 421st Night Fighter Squadron (421st NFS). Bong flew on March 13, 1944, March 14, 1944, March 15, 1944 and March 16, 1944 (with Major Walter S. Pharr) and March 17, 1944 (with Major Walter Pharr). Likely, Bong hoped to shoot down Japanese planes and between missions offered tips to the pilots of the newly arrived squadron.

On March 24, 1944 his plane P-38J "Marge" 42-103993 was flown by 2nd Lt. Thomas E. Malone from 421st Night Fighter Squadron (421st NFS) on a weather reconnaissance mission but suffered mechanical and electrical issues and bailed out. Afterwards, Bong was angry about the loss of his plane, but acknowledged it had some issues when he flew it previously. Next, Bong was assigned P-38J 42-104380 and also nicknamed "Marge" and operated from Nadzab Airfield.

On April 3, 1944 took off from Gusap Airfield piloting a P-38J Lightning (Stars and Bars page 155 states flew P-38J per combat report / Dick Bong page 122 footnote 8 states he flew P-38J 42-104380) on a mission to escort bombers on a strike against Hollandia. During the mission, Bong claimed his twenty-fifth aerial victory claim. After landing, photographed with Bong watching his crew chief painting a Japanese rising sun flag representing his 25th aerial victory claim.

On April 12, 1944 Bong took off piloting P-38J "Down Beat" 42-104012 borrowed from 80th Fighter Squadron (80th FS) "Headhunters" with P-38J "Corky IV" pilot Captain Cornelius M. "Corky" Smith on a fighter sweep over Hollandia and claimed three aerial victories. The first victory claim was for a Ki-43 Oscar claimed over Tanamerah Bay his twenty-sixth aerial victory claim. Plus two more Ki-43 Oscars his twenty-seventh and twenty-eight aerial victory claims. With these three victory claims, he exceeded the 26 aerial victory claims of American World War I ace Edward "Eddie" Rickenbacker and Bong became America's highest scoring ace pilot and was promoted to the rank of Major by General George C. Kenney.

Bong was sent home for leave in the United States to meet General Henry H. Arnold and delivered a report from General George C. Kenney. In the United States, he was assigned P-38J Lighhning 44-23491 painted in the markings of "Marge" for use in war bond tours. Afterwards, assigned as an aerial superiority instructor at Foster Field near Victoria, Texas.

Third Tour of Duty
During September 1944, Bong returned to the South West Pacific for a third tour of duty in the Philippines. He remained assigned to 5th Fighter Command (V FTR) and served as a gunnery training officer. Although not required to fly combat missions, he volunteered to fly an additional 30 combat missions over the Philippines and Borneo.

On October 10, 1944 at 7:15am took off from Morotai piloting P-38L Lightning 44-23964 on a fighter sweep and escort for B-24 Liberators over Balikpapan on southeast Borneo. Arriving over the target area 2 hours and 30 minutes later, spotted a twin engine plane that was deemed to be either a Irving or Sally at a lower altitude and dove down firing as the plane turned but caught fire and rolled over with the pilot bailing out before it crashed into the sea roughly a mile off Manggar Airfield. Next, he fired on a Zero with a 40° deflection shot head on but missed. Next, got on the tail of an Oscar and closed to 100 yards and fired with 5°  deflection causing the fighter to explode and went down in flames roughly four miles off Manggar on the eastern coast of Borneo. Bong was awarded his twenty-nine and thirty aerial victories.

On October 27, 1944 took off piloting a P-38J Lightning and claimed an aerial victory, his thirty-first aerial victory.

On October 28, 1944 took off piloting a P-38J Lightning and claimed two victories, his thirty-second and thirty-third victories.

On November 10, 1944 took off piloting P-38L Lightning 44-23964 on a mission claimed a victory, his thirty-fourth victory.

On November 11, 1944 took off piloting P-38L Lightning 44-23964 on a mission claimed two victories, his thirty-fifth and thirty-sixth victories.

Medal of Honor
On December 12, 1944 at Tacloban Airfield on Leyte Bong had the Medal of Honor bestowed on him by General Douglas MacArthur. During the presentation, he tossed away his written remarks and said, "Major Richard Ira Bong, who has ruled the air from New Guinea to the Philippines, I now induct you into the society of the bravest of the brave, the wearers of the Congressional Medal of Honor of the United States." Postwar, Bong's Medal of Honor was displayed at the Memorial Room in Poplar, WI. Today, displayed at the Richard I. Bong Heritage Center.

On December 7, 1944 took off piloting a P-38L Lightning during the Battle of Ormoc Bay. Bong claimed two aerial victories his thirty-seventh and thirty-eighth victory claims.

On December 15, 1944 took off piloting a P-38L Lightning and claimed an aerial victory, his thirty-ninth victory.

On December 17, 1944 took off piloting a P-38L Lightning and claimed an aerial victory, his forty aerial victory claim.

On December 27, 1944 Bong was relieved of combat duty to return to the United States. On December 28, 1944 he departs the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) on a special flight across the Pacific and three days later arrives in San Francisco. During January 1945 he traveled to Washington D.C. and was photographed wearing the Medal of Honor in front of a world map.

On February 9, 1945 Bong was in Superior, Wisconsin for a rehearsal at Corcordia Lutheran Church where he was to be married the next day but the rehearsal was delayed awaiting the arrival of TSgt Lowell S. Vattendahl (Marjorie's brother). That afternoon, the couple attended a reception at Superior Teacher College where they first met as students. President R. C. Williams presented the couple with two pieces of silver in their pattern as a gift to the couple.

On February 10, 1945 at 7:00pm he married Marjorie "Marge" at Corcordia Lutheran Church in Superior, Wisconsin. The wedding was officiated by Reverend Paul A. Boe. The best man at the wedding was Captain Walter M. Markey who knew Bong since May 1942 then flew overseas with him and was a fellow pilot in the 9th Fighter Squadron (9th FS) until November 1943. Bong had two attendants, TSgt Lowell S. Vattendahl (Marjorie's brother) and SSgt Edward Edgette a hometown friend. At 8:00pm the newly wed couple appeared on a national radio broadcast.

Afterwards, the couple returned to California and had their honeymoon in Sequoia National Park then moved to Burbank. Bong became a test pilot for the new Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star jet and underwent a training course at Muroc Lake Flight Test Base then returned to Burbank. In total, Bong made 11 jet flights for a total of 4 hour and 15 minutes.

Fate
On August 6, 1945 took off piloting P-80A Shooting Star 44-85048 on an acceptance flight. Shortly after take off suffered a fuel pump malfunction and Bong bailed out but was too low and his parachute failed to open before he hit the ground and was killed on impact. His plane crashed at into a narrow field at Oxnard Street and Satsuma Avenue in North Hollywood, California. After the crash, his remains were recovered.

Recovery of Remains
On August 8, 1945 Bong's flag draped casket was loaded aboard C-54E Skymaster 44-9042 and escorted by his widow, Marjorie "Marge" Bong, her friend C. Clarence Toy and military escort Colonel Kenneth McGregor on a flight from California to Richard I. Bong Airport in Superior, Wisconsin. On arrival, the plane was met by a military honor guard.

Memorials
Bong's funeral service was held at Corcordia Lutheran Church where he was married only six months earlier with crowds of mourners.

Bong is buried at Poplar Cemetery in Poplar, WI at block 8, lot 10, grave 2 with a grave marker and military marker.

The Richard I. Bong Memorial Airport in Superior, WI 54880 was named in his honor in January 1945 and remains in use today.

Wisconsin State Historical Marker 64 in Poplar, WI erected in 1957 is dedicated to Major "Dick" Bong.

In the middle 1950s, a new U.S. Air Force (USAF) base to be constructed to the south of Milwaukee, WI was to be named Richard I. Bong Air Force Base (Richard I. Bong AFB) but was never completed. Instead, the site became the Richard Bong State Recreation Area.

The portion of Route 2 in Poplar, Wisconsin is named the "Major Richard I. Bong Memorial Highway" in Bong's honor.

The American Legion Post #435 in Superior, Wisconsin is named the American Legion Richard I. Bong Post 435.

During 1986, Bong was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (USAF Museum).

During May 1992 on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea a bridge in Townsville on MacArthur Drive was dedicated as "The Major Richard I. Bong Bridge" with a memorial plaque on a stone marker near the bridge.

The Richard I. Bong Heritage Center honors the memory of Major Bong and displays P-38L Lightning 44-53236 painted in the markings of P-38J "Marge".

The P-38L Lightning 44-27231 was painted as "Marge" until 2007 when repainted.

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (USAF Museum) has Bong Street named in his honor and an exhibit "America's Top Two Aces" includes Bong's officer's cap and uniform, M1911 pistol, golf club, clarinet purchased in Australia and flight jacket and boots donated by his father, Carl T. Bong.

The EAA AirVenture Museum (EAA Museum) has P-38L Lightning 44-53087 painted in the markings of P-38J "Marge" 42-103993 assigned to Captain Richard I. Bong in New Guinea.

Awards
For his World War II service, Bong earned the Medal of Honor for his actions October 10, 1944–November 15, 1944, Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for his actions July 26, 1943, Silver Star for his actions December 27, 1942 with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) with one silver Oak Leaf Cluster and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with two Silver Oak Leaf Clusters and two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Philippine Liberation Medal. Bong's squadrons earned the Army Presidential Unit Citation w/ one bronze oak leaf cluster and Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.

Relatives
Carl T. Bong (father passed away February 5, 1973)
Dora May Bryce Bong (mother passed away April 30, 1959)
Marjorie "Marge" Ann Vattendahl Drucker (widow passed away September 27, 2003)
Betty Jane Bong (sister passed away March 25, 1939)
Nelda Charlene Bong Peterson (sister passed away 1983)
Carl "Bud" M, Bong (brother passed away June 19, 2014)
Dorothy Joyce Bong Erickson (sister passed away September 11, 2015)
Sue Carol Bong (sister passed away October 8, 2010)
James "Jim" C. Bong (brother passed away January 1, 2014)
James "Jim" Bong (nephew) USAF Lt. Col. (retired)

References
NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Richard I. Bong
9th Fighter Squadron pilot roster October 1942–August 1944 via Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA)
USAF Historical Study No. 85 USAF Credits For The Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II Alphabetical: Bong, Richard I. pages 25 (PDF page 30) Chronological List: 11/10/44 page 478 (PDF page 483), 04/03/44 page 428 (PDF page 433) 04/12/44 page 430 (PDF page 435)
Missing Air Crew Report 15081 (MACR 15081) created July 12, 1943 page 8 (statement by 1st Lt. Richard I. Bong)
The Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld) "Lightning Kills 'Gator" June 10, 1943 page 3
"NEW GUINEA, Wednesday — A United States fighter pilot has become the foundation member of the Alligator Club. With cannon fire from his Lightning [he] killed a giant alligator trailing a rubber boat containing three pilots on a rescue mission. The pilot is First Lieutenant Richard Bong, who has shot down 10 enemy aircraft in the South-west Pacific. A pilot from Bong's unit was reported lost in the jungle, and the Piper Cub (trainer plane) pilot who located him radioed that he could best be reached by boat across a lake. Three pilots of the unit inflated a small collapsible boat and set out to rescue their comrade. They reported later that they had seen 'a huge log' floating towards them from the edge of the lake. One thought it was a native canoe. The pilot of the Cub spotted the reptile and radioed to circling Lightnings for a strafing job. Skimming across the surface of the lake, Bong sent a 20 M.M. cannon burst into the alligator. The missing airman was rescued by another group of Americans."
Combat Report Captain Watkins July 28, 1943
The Evening Advocate (Innisfail, Qld) "U.S. Pilot Shoots Up Crocodile from Air" June 22, 1943 page 2
"NEW GUINEA. — First-Lieutenant Richard Bong, a U.S. .fighter pilot, who has shot down 10 enemy aircraft in the Southwest Pacific, has become the foundation member of the Crocodile Club. With cannon fire from his Lightning fighter, he strafed and killed a crocodile which was trailing a frail rubber boat which contained three pilots who were bound on a rescue mission. Previously a pilot from Lieutenant Bong's unit was reported lost in the jungle, and the pilot who located him radioed that he could best be reached by boat across a lake, as it would take hours to reach the spot through the jungle. Three pilots of the unit inflated a small collapsible boat and set out to rescue their comrade. They saw what they took to be a huge log floating towards them from the edge of the lake, but paid it no attention. The pilot who had started the rescue party saw the crocodile and radioed warnings to circling Lightnings. Lieutenant Bong skimmed across the surface of the lake, and with a short burst from his 20 mm. cannon destroyed the crocodile."
The Ithaca Journal "Cornell Flier Who Downed 8 Zeros Coming Home for Rest" December 7, 1943 page 5
"Capt. John G. O'Neill, the P-38 pilot who flew wing to wing with this theater's greatest ace, is going home for a rest. "Jump," as O'Neill is known by his pals in New Guinea and Australia has a nifty little string of eight Zeros to his credit, four of them in three days. Most of his flying was done in element with Capt. Richard I. Bong, Poplar, Wis., who with 21 enemy planes is the ranking Army fighter pilot of this theater..."
Cosmopolitan "'Bing Bang' Bong and the Humpty Doos" by Bob Eunson June 1944 Vol 116 No. 6 page 60-63
AWM SWPA News (AWM F00446) 03:06–03:47 "Bong, 40 plane ace gets highest awards"
Monroe Evening Times "Military Pals Will Be Aids at Bong Wedding" February 8, 1945 page 6
"Superior - (UP) - An Army Air Force officer who flew many missions with Richard I. Bong in the Southwest Pacific, will be Bong's best man when the nation's leading ace is married here Saturday to Marjorie Vattendahl. He is Capt. Walter M. Markey, of City Island, N.Y., who now is with the First Air Force at Hills Grove, R.I. Capt. Markey and Major Bong served together from May 1942 to November 1943 in New Guinea area. Markey shot down four Japanese planes."
The Journal Times "Bong Chooses Pacific Buddy For Best Man" February 8, 1945 page 8
The Oshkosh Northwestern "Wedding Bells To Ring Tomorrow For Bong and Fiancee" February 9, 1945 page 8
The La Crosse Tribune "Bong's Best Man Is Flying Pal" February 9, 1945 page 3
Wisconsin State Journal "1,300 Expected to Witness Bong Wedding Saturday" February 9, 1945 page 8
"Superior - (UP) - The ace of the American air forces, Maj. Richard Ira Bong, 24, today named a service buddy, Capt. Walter M. Markey City Island, N.Y. as his best man for the wedding which will culminate Wisconsin's number one romance here Feb. 10... Bong and Markey met in May 1942, and went to the South Pacific together. They flew many missions against the Jap air force together until Bong returned home on leave in November, 1943, after shooting down 27 enemy aircraft, one more than World War I record of Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker. The two did not fly together again, however when Bong went back to the Pacific and boosted his bag to 40 Jap planes to set the present AAF record. Markey is credit with downing four enemy aircraft. Now stationed at Hillsgrove, R.I., he has shifted from the P-38 Lightnings he flew in the Pacific to a P-47."
Star Tribune "Nation's Good Wishes Go to Alter With Top Ace and His Marge Today" February 10, 1945 page 6
"Superior, WIS (UP) - Major Richard Ira Bong, the Wisconsin farm boy who became America's leading ace by shooting down 40 Japanese planes, was self-possessed by 'just a trifle' nervous Friday night on the eve of his wedding with Marjorie Ann Vattendahl, 21. 'I guess tomorrow is the day to get excited,' he said Friday afternoon when the wedding rehearsal at Concordia Lutheran church was postponed because of of the attendants had been delayed... The best man, Capt. Walter M. Markey, Jr., City Island, N.Y. was on hand to lend moral support and wold be on hand again tonight when the rehearsal was to be held. At the last minute, as at so many weddings, the plans were changed, the time being set up at 7 p.m. today instead of 8 p.m. because the bride and groom are to appear on a national [radio] broadcast at 8 o'clock."
Individual Deceased Personnel File (IDPF) Richard I. Bong
FindAGrave - Richard Ira Bong (photos, grave photos)
FindAGrave - Marjorie Ann Vattendahl Drucker (photos, grave photo)
Air Force Historical Support Division Fact Sheet: Bong -- Maj Richard Ira Bong (photo)
Hall of Valor Project - Richard Ira Bong (MOH citation, DSC citation, Silver Star citation, Silver Star OLC citation, DFC citation, DFC OLC citation, DFC second OLC citation, DFC third OLC citation, DFC forth OLC citation, DFC sixth OLC citation, DFC seventh OLC citation)
The Historical Maerk Database - Major "Dick" Bong "America's Ace of Aces" (photos)
Oz@War - Ricahrd Ira Bong Ace of Aces (photos, The Major Richard I. Bong Bridge)
General Kenny Reports (1949) pages iii, xii, 6, 12, 73, 125-126, 164, 171-172, 177, 319, 345-346, 362-364, 387, 393-394, 435-436, 339-441, 468-469, 470, 471-472, 475-476, 488-490, 495-496, 498, 503, 569, 571, 581
Dick Bong (1960, 1980) by General George C. Kenney biography of Richard I. Bong pages 20-22 (Meets Rickenbacker, Kenney promises a case of scotch), 23 (December 27, 1942)
Aces of the Southwest Pacific (1977) page 19 (Bong)
Ace of Aces The Dick Bong Story (1985, 2019) by Mike O'Conner and Carl Bong
Yeager: An Autobiography (1986) by Chuck Yeager pages 227-228 (Bong), 425 (index Bong, Dick)
49th Fighter Group (1989) by Ernest R. McDowell page 58 (Bong)
Dear Mom: So We Have A War (1991) by Carl Bong (brother) biography of Richard I. Bong pages 335-336 (Letter March 13, 1944)
Protect and Avenge (1995) pages 92, 97, 101 (December 27, 1942), 102 (December 31, 1942), 104, 108, 110-111, 117, 125-126 (March 11, 1943), 132-133, 138, 140, 164-165, 178, 188-191, 195-197, 207-208, 210-214 (last 9th FS), 232, 242 (photo), 245 (photo victory record), 268-271, 276-278, 289-292, 297, 299, 302 (Medal of Honor)
Stars & Bars (1995) pages 36 (9th FS, 49th FG), 154-155 (Bong)
Memories: The Story of Dick and Marge Bong: A Love Story (1995) by Marge Bong Drucker
Los Angeles Times "Marjorie Drucker, 79; Wife of World War II Ace Richard Bong" October 10, 2003
49th Fighter Group Aces of the Pacific (2004) inside cover (July 28, 1943 mission)
Eddie Rickenbacker: An American Hero in the Twentieth Century (2005) pages 498, 496, 497, 632 (footnote), 655 (footnote), 657 (footnote)
Aces High: The Heroic Saga of the Two Top-scoring American Aces of World War II (2009) pages 121-122
The 421st Night Fighter Squadron in World War II (2010) by Jeff Kolln pages 29-30 (Bong March 13-17, 1944 missions with 421st NFS), 30 (loss of P-38 "Marge")
Victory Over Tanamerah by Jack Fellows
Forward In Flight "Richard Bong 70th Anniersary Medal of Honor" Volume 12, Issue 2 Summer 2014 cover, pages 1 (cover caption), 9, 22-24 (Veteran’s Historical Research Center Expands), 25-26 (WAHF Bong)
Forward In Flight "Richard Bong Inspired by Hap Arnold's plane" Volume 17, Issue 1 Spring 2019 by John Dodds pages 14-17
Harvest of the Grim Reapers:The Illustrated History of the 3rd and 27th Bomb Groups During World War II Volume I: Prewar to December 1942 (2021) pages 437-438 (December 31, 1942)
South Pacific Air War: The Role of Airpower in the New Guinea and Solomon Island Campaigns, January 1943 to February 1944 (2024) by Richard Dunn pages 18 (December 27, 1942), 113, 114, 121, 131 (temporary duty with 39th FS), 178, 193, 234, 241-242, 244, 308-309, 312, 347, 414, 422, 441, 454, 459, 501, 585 (index Bong)

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