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)
Aircraft flown and assigned

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.
P-80A Shooting Star 44-85048  piloted by Bong August 6, 1945 fatal crash.

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 flown by Bong during his third tour of duty.

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