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

Aircraft flown by Bong
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.
P-38F 12644  piloted by Bong December 27, 1942 when he claimed his first two aerial victories.
P-38F 42-12624  piloted by Bong December 31, 1942 and January 7, 1943 when he claimed aerial victories.
P-38F 42-12653  piloted by Bong January 8, 1943 when he claimed an aerial victory.
P-38J "Marge" 42-103993  piloted by Bong February 15, 1944, March 3, 1944 and March 5, 1944 when he claimed victories.
P-38J "Down Beat" 42-104012  piloted by Bong April 12, 1944
P-38L 44-23964  piloted by Bong October 10, 1944, November 10, 1944 and November 11, 1944 when he claimed victories.

Aircraft assigned to Bong
Bong was assigned at least four different P-38 Lightnings. Several nicknamed "Marge" after his girlfriend.
P-38H 42-?????  (Nose 79) damaged September 6, 1943 ultimate fate unknown.
P-38H 42-66847  (Nose 79) assigned to Bong in 9th Fighter Squadron.
P-38J "Marge" 42-103993  assigned to Bong in 5th Fighter Command. On March 22, 1944 crashed by Tom Malone, 421st NFS.
P-38J "Marge" 42-104380  assigned to Bong in 5th Fighter Command. During 1945 crashed on a checkout flight over Manila Bay.
P-38J "Marge" 44-23491  assigned to Bong in the United States on war bond tour in the markings of 42-103993.
P-38L 44-23964  assigned to Bong in 5th Fighter Command.

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