Major Richard I. Bong
U.S. Army Air Force, 5th Air Force, 49th Fighter Group, 9th Fighter Squadron and 5th 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 immigrant from Sweden and his mother an American of Scotch-English descent and their children grew up on the family farm and attended Betheny Lutheran Church in Poplar. 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) for two and a half years. As a college student, he took flying lessons under the Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA) Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP). By March 31, 1941 he logged 36 hours flying time.
Wartime History
On May 29, 1941 at age 20 years he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC) as an aviation cadet with serial number 16022192 at Wassau, Wisconsin. He was transported by train to Chicago then cross country to California. He attended elementary flight training at Rankin Aeronautical Academy at Rankin Field in Tulare, California. On June 20, 1941 he became part of the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) and completed training on August 16, 1941. Next, he attended Army Air Forces Basic Flying School at Gardner Field near Taft, California between August 19, 1941 to October 31, 1941. Then to Army Air Forces Advanced Flying School at Luke Field near Glendale, Arizona from November 4, 1941 until December 31, 1941. One of his instructors was Barry Goldwater who said of Bong "He was a very bright student… being such a natural pilot, it was just a certainty that he would wind up one of our top aces, which he did."
On January 9, 1942 he graduated as part of Class 42-A, earned his wings and was commission as a 2nd Lieutenant with service number O-433784. Bong’s abilities came to the attention of Col. Ennis C. Whitehead, commandant of the Advance Flying School at Luke Field who retained him to be a flight instructor. One of his duties was flying as a stunt pilot at nearby Thunderbird Field for the film Thunder Birds: Soldiers of the Air flying a PT-17 231 and AT-6A number 305 in aerial sequences.
In early May 1942 assigned to the 4th Air Force (4th AF), 14th Fighter Group (14th FG), 49th Fighter Squadron (49th FS) at Hamilton Field and learned to fly the P-38E Lightning. On May 12, 1942 Bong took off on a forty minute check out flight in 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 military. In fact, he buzzed the house of a pilot friend who had just got married and his plane number was reported by angry neighbors. The same day, three other P-38 pilots flew under the Golden Gate Bridge John G. O'Neill, John H. Mangas and Mitchell. As a result of the infraction, the pilots met Major General George C. Kenney who was impressed with the pilots and had them write a letter about safe flying and selected them to accompany him to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA).
On July 26, 1942 attached to the 84th Fighter Squadron (84th FS), 78th Fighter Group (78th FG) at Oakland Airfield. During August 1942 Bong made two flights in a P-38F Lightning. By September 2, 1942 Bong had logged more than 100 hours of flying time.
On September 5, 1942 Bong was a passenger in the nose of a LB-30 Liberator with 2nd Lt. Carl G. Planck, Jr., 2nd Lt. Norman "Sneezy" D. Hyland, 2nd Lt. Walter M. Markey, Jr. at 10:00pm departs Hamilton Field on an overnight flight bound for Hawaii. On September 6, 1942 at 7:00am landed at Hickam Field on Oahu and toured Honolulu, Waikiki and visited the Royal Hawaiian Hotel then toured USS Argonaut at Pearl Harbor. On September 7, 1942 at 6:00am departs Hickam Field bound for Canton Airfield landing at 3:00pm and took off again at 6:00pm crossed the International Date Line then and landed at Nadi Airfield. On September 8, 1942 landed at Nadi Airfield at 1:00pm. On September 9, 1942 took off from Nadi Airfield at 6:00am for the final leg of the flight bound for Australia. On September 10, 1942 at 3:00pm lands at Brisbane.
Bong summarized the overseas flight in his Flight Record (Logbook) "left Frisco [San Francisco] LB-30 10PM. Arr[ived] Hickam Field 9/6 7AM. Honolulu Time. Honolulu stinks but Waikiki Beach OK. Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Went through Argonaut largest sub in world at Hawaii. Left H.F. [Hickam Field] 6:00 AM 9/7/42 arrived Canton Island 3PM [crossed] International Date Line. 9/7 left Canton 6PM. 9/8 arr[ived] Fiji Is. 1 PM. 9/9 Left Fiji 6AM 9/10 arr[ived] Brisbane Aus[tralia] 3pm 9/10."
In Australia, assigned 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. On September 20, 1942 Bong took off from Amberly Field piloting a P-38F Lightning, his first flight in Australia. For the remainder of the month, he continued to fly training flights including two missions at high altitude flying at 37,000' and 36,500'.
On October 14, 1942 Bong and Planck were temporarily assigned to the newly formed 17th Fighter Squadron (Provisional) at Amberley Field. Bong and Planck were experienced flying the P-38 and for six weeks helped pilots convert to the new twin engine fighter.
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 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
On November 14, 1942 took off from Amberley Field piloting a P-38F Lightning as one of eight on flight to Garbutt Field. The formation was led by Captain Manning with 1st Lt. Donald C. McGee, 1st Lt. William D. Sells plus 2nd Lt Richard I. Bong, 2nd Lt. Norman D. Hyland, 2nd Lt. Walter M. Markey, 2nd Lt. Carl G. Planck an 2nd Lt. Charles S. Gallup. On November 15, 1942 took off from Garbutt Field on a flight to 7 Mile Drome near Port Moresby then took off again on a short flight to nearby 14 Mile Drome (Schwimmer). On arrival, Bong, Planck, Markey and Hyland were assigned for temporary duty with 39th Fighter Squadron (39th FS) to gain combat experience.
On November 22, 1942 took off from 14 Mile Drome (Schwimmer) on a patrol to Buna that lasted five hours, his first combat mission. On November 24, 1942 at night with a full moon, Japanese bombers conducted two bombing missions. Bong noted in his Flight Record (Logbook) "experienced first bombing at night." On November 25, 1942 Bong flew another mission for 3 hours 15 minutes.
On November 27, 1942 World War I ace Edward "Eddie" V. Rickenbacker with General George C. Kenney visited 14 Mile Drome and met with fighter pilots including Bong. Rickenbacker discussed his record of 26 aerial victories during World War I. During the conversation, Kenney spontaneously promised to give a case of scotch to first pilot to break Rickenbacker's record and Rickenbacker promised a second case of scotch. Learning of the challenge, General Douglas MacArthur offered a case of champagne.
On December 6, 1942 took off armed with 100 pound bombs on a local flight for dive bombing practice. On December 14, 1942 after midnight during a Japanese air raid experienced anti-aircraft shrapnel falling all around. On December 18, 1942 took off on a patrol over Buna.
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 air combat that lasted fifteen minutes, Bong claimed his first two aerial victories: the first a Val and the second a Zero [sic Ki-43-I Oscar]. Bong returned with a bullet hole in his left engine. Bong noted in his Flight Record (Logbook) "12-27: 27 Zeros 12 dive bombers Val Type shot down dive bomber in flames and Oscar type Zero in 15 minutes combat. All tired out afterwards. Got one bullet hole in my left engine." 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 28, 1942 Bong returned to the 9th Fighter Squadron (9th FS). On December 30, 1942 took off on a patrol over Buna.
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. Bong noted in his Flight Record (Logbook) "12-31: Probably shot down one Zeke type Zero over Lai [sic Lae]. Shot a piece of an engine out but had not see[n] him crash. Top cover for B-26s, B-25s and A-20s."
On January 7, 1943 Bong took off from 14 Mile Drome piloting P-38F 42-12624 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. 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 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. (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 6, 1943 promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
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 flight of G4M1 Bettys from 705 Kokutai and 751 Kokutai 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 claimed a Betty shot down, his tenth aerial victory claim a Betty probable. For this mission, Bong earned the Air Medal.
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 flight to 7 Mile Drome near Port Moresby. That same day, took off from 7 Mile Drome as one of twelve P-38s of "Green Flight" on a mission to escort C-47s to Bena Bena. Bong flying as element leader for Sid Wood. Roughly 10 miles southeast of Bena Bena, the P-38s engaged in air combat with Ki-43 Oscars. Bong claimed a Ki-43 Oscar shot down, his eleventh aerial victory claim. He also claimed another Oscar as damaged. During the engagement, his P-38 was hit by gunfire in the right boom but returning landed safely at Horanda Drome.
On July 26, 1943 Bong took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura 4) piloting a P-38G Lightning as one of twelve P-38s of "Blue Flight" on an intercept mission. During air combat over the Markham Valley, Bong claimed four enemy aircraft: two Zeros (likely Ki-43 Oscars) and two Ki-61 Tonys from 68th Sentai (68th Flying Regiment), his twelve, thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth aerial victory claims. For his actions, Bong earned the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) awarded October 20, 1943.
On July 28, 1943 took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura 4) piloting P-38G-5 Lightning Number 73 as one of nine P-38s of "Blue Flight" to escort B-25s on a mission against Rein Bay on New Britain. Bong was flying as element leader. At 8:15am off Cape Raoult on the north coast of New Britain the P-38s spotted a formation of twelve to eighteen Ki-43 Oscars. The P-38s released their drop tanks and intercepted. 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 claim.
Reference: Combat Report Captain Watkins July 28, 1943, 49th Fighter Group Aces of the Pacific inside cover).
During August 24, 1943 promoted to the rank of Captain.
On September 6, 1943 took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura 4) piloting P-38H 42-6???? Number 79 leading "Blue Flight" on a patrol over the Morobe area. In the vicinity of Lae and Finschhafen, the P-38s intercept a formation of Japanese fighters and bombers. Lost is P-38G 42-12850 pilot 2nd Lt. James W. Fagan (MIA). During the air combat, Bong's plane was damaged by gunfire by the defensive gunfire from the bombers that damaged his right engine and disengaged from combat and feathered the propeller and requested to make an emergency landing at Marilinan Airfield. While landing, the left engine seized as the plane touched down and without hydraulics and slid sideways, straitened out then ran off the runway and came to a rest in a ditch with the nose down and tail upward.
On October 2, 1943 took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura 4) piloting P-38H Lightning 42-66847 as one of fourteen P-38s on a mission to escort B-25 Mitchells and B-26 Marauders to Cape Hoskins. Bong was leading "Green Flight". Over New Britain, Bong claimed a Ki-46 Dinah shot down, his seventeenth aerial victory claim.
On October 24, 1943 took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura 4) as one of fourteen P-38s on an escort mission for B-25 Mitchells over Rabaul. Bong was leading "Red Flight", with wingman 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 was listed as Missing In Action (MIA).
On October 29, 1943 took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura 4) piloting P-38H-5 as one of thirteen P-38s that landed at Kiriwina Airfield to refuel then took off again to escort B-24 Liberators over Rabaul. Reportedly, C.O. Captain Jerry Johnson ordered 1st Lt. Ralph Wandrey to change planes with Bong before the mission and was flying either P-38H Lightning 42-66847 Number 79 or borrowed P-38H-5 Number 96 assigned to 1st Lt. Ralph H. Wandrey. Bong was leading "Red Flight" and engaged in air combat over Rabaul and Open Bay and claimed two Zeros shot down, his eighteenth and nineteenth aerial victory claims. Also, he claimed to damage a Zero. Returning, the P-38s landed at Kiriwina Airfield to refuel then flew back to Horanda Drome. For administrative purposes, recorded as three separate missions.
On November 5, 1943 took off from Horanda Drome (Dobodura 4) piloting P-38H 42-66847 as one of eleven P-38s that landed at Kiriwina Airfield to refuel then took off again to escort B-24 Liberators from 43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG) over Rabaul. Bong was leading "Red Flight" with wingman 2nd Lt. George C. Haniotis, element leader 1st Lt. Ralph H. Wandrey and element wingman no. 4 Charles McElroy. The 5th Air Force mission was in in conjunction with U.S. Navy (USN) Task Force 38 (TF 38) carrier planes from USS Saratoga and USS Princeton targeting Japanese warships in Simpson Harbor. Over the target at 20,000' at roughly 2:15pm, the P-38s spotted approximately 15 Zeros below and released their drop tanks and dove to intercept. Diving, Bong attacked from the rear and fired a short burst in the last Zero in the formation from only 100 yards away and caused it to explode. Next, Bong fired a long burst into another Zero that Split-S but never pulled out and exploded at roughly 5,000'. Bong also fired on two other Zeros without result then broke off his attack low on ammunition and fuel. Bong claiming two Zeros shot down, his twenty and twenty-first aerial victory claims, the only claims by the squadron. Later, he reported the Zeros were black with brown camouflage and "appeared to be old planes" and were flown by pilots who were "inexperienced and unwilling to engage in combat". During the dog fight, P-38F "Sooner" 42-12655 pilot 2nd Lt. George C. Haniotis went Missing In Action (MIA). Returning, the P-38s landed at Kiriwina Airfield to refuel then flew back to Horanda Drome. For administrative purposes, recorded as three separate missions.
On November 7, 1943 Bong took off from Kiriwinia Airfield leading "Red Flight" with wingman P-38G 43-2199 pilot 2nd Lt. Stanley W. Johnson on a mission to escort B-24 Liberators over Rabaul. The weather was cumulus clouds with 7/10th coverage from 1,000' to well over 30,000' over the target area. Reportedly, over Simpson Harbor, no enemy planes were spotted so the P-38s flew between the peaks of Mother (Mount Kombiu) and South Daughter (Mount Turangunan) volcanoes then made a low pass over the Malaguna Road the main street in Rabaul and claimed to see vehicles pulling off the road to take cover before climbing away with anti-aircraft fire busting behind them. Over Rabaul at 12:30pm roughly 40 Zeros were spotted below flying in scattered groups between 30,000' to 15,000'. The squadron released their drop tanks and intercepted. Bong made several passes against different Zeros with no results. Bong and wingman 2nd Lt. Stanley W. Johnson spotted roughy 8-10 Zeros below them and a P-38. The pair dove down to break them up and lost was P-38G 43-2199 pilot 2nd Lt. Stanley W. Johnson (MIA). Reference: Protect & Avenge (1995) page 214. Ace of Aces The Dick Bong Story page 57-59.
On November 11, 1943 Bong was granted a sixty day leave and flown to Brisbane. At the conclusion of Bong's first tour of duty, he is officially credited with twenty-one aerial victories and one of the top aces of the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF).
First Leave in the United States
On December 4, 1943 Bong departs Australia on a flight across the Pacific and two days later is back in the United States. Immediately, he travels home to Polar, Wisconsin to visit his family. At home, he is followed by the press, even while deer hunting with his family and friends. Even with family and friends, Bong rarely spoke about being a fighter pilot or his exploits overseas.
As a local celebrity, Bong was invited to crown the homecoming king and queen at Superior State Teachers College (today University of Wisconsin–Superior). At the ceremony, Bong arrived 30 minutes late and after performing his duties met the previous year's queen, Marjorie "Marge" Ann Vattendahl and later that evening he asked her out on a date. Soon, the couple were meeting every evening. He even rented a plane to perform acrobatics as she and a crowd watched on the ground. Before he left Poplar, Marge gave Bong her yearbook portrait as a wallet sized print.
While home, Bong met the widow of 2nd Lt. Stanley W. Johnson was visiting Superior and Bong met with her to console her about the loss of her husband. Later, Bong confided to Marge how difficult the meeting was and how bravely Mrs. Johnson was coping with the loss. The meeting so influenced him that Bong even commented to his girlfriend that "he didn't think anyone should rush into marriage until the war was over. The future is too uncertain and there is too much misery in store for those left behind."
In the middle of December 1943 Bong was ordered to Washington D.C. for public relations duty and conducted press conferences and interviews. He traveled to New York City where a newsreel was made about him by Fox Studios and a radio interview. While in New York, he traveled to upstate New York to visit John G. O'Neill and his family. On December 21, 1943 the two pilots visited Ithaca Airport to visit Ithaca Flying Service where O'Neill learned to fly in 1940. Afterwards, the pair participated in a War Bond tour. Bong later returned home until the end of his leave. On January 29, 1944 he left Poplar with family, friends and admirers seeing him off. On February 2, 1944 departs Hamilton Field as a passenger on a plane across the Pacific to New Guinea.
Second Tour of Duty
During the middle of February 1944, Bong returning to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) for his second tour of duty, Bong was assigned to 5th Fighter Command (V FTR), Headquarters as assistant operations officer in charge of replacement airplanes but continued to fly combat missions with Lt Col Thomas J. Lynch. Flying together, the pair of ace pilots were dubbed the Lynch-Bong "Flying Circus".
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.
During February 1944 Bong flew a total of fifteen combat missions in P-38J-15, likely P-38J "Marge" 42-103993.
On February 15, 1944 took off from Nadzab Airfield piloting P-38J "Marge" 42-103993 with P-38J pilot Lt Col Thomas J. Lynch on a mission to escort A-20s over Kavieng on New Ireland. Roughly ten miles north of Cape Hoskins, Bong claimed a Ki-61 Tony, his twenty-second aerial victory claim and his first victory during his second tour of duty. References: Dear Mom So We Have A War page 328-329 (Credit for Destruction of Enemy Aircraft 2/15/44), 332 (Letter to Mom 02/19/44 "I got number twenty-two the other day [2/15/44]. All very interesting without sticking our necks out.").
On February 28, 1944 took off from Nadzab Airfield piloting P-38J "Marge" 42-103993 with P-38J piloted by Lt Col Thomas J. Lynch on a mission over Wewak. Over the target, Bong strafed a Betty transport [sic Japanese Army Air Force twin engine bomber] that had just landed. Although the bomber was claimed as destroyed, it was not recorded as an aerial victory. Some sources state a Japanese Major General, Brigadier (not a rank in Japanese Army) and staff were killed in the bomber. These claims seem highly unlikely, no Major General is known to have died in Wewak. Japanese records note nothing on February 28, 1944. On February 29, 1944 Japanese records note two P-38s intruding over Wewak but do not mention any ground losses.
During March 1944 Bong flew a total of twenty-one combat missions in P-38J-15 most likely piloting P-38J "Marge" 42-103993 until lost.
On March 3, 1944 took off from Nadzab Airfield piloting P-38J "Marge" 42-103993 with P-38J Lightning pilot Lt. Col Thomas J. Lynch on a mission over Tadji Airfield. Over the target, Bong claimed two Ki-21 Sallys his twenty-third and twenty-fourth aerial victory claims. He also claimed a Ki-61 Tony damaged but it was shot down by Lynch. References: Bong's Individual Flight Record lists this mission as March 2, 1944 incorrectly.
On March 5, 1944 took off from Nadzab Airfield piloting P-38J "Marge" 42-103993 with P-38J Lightning pilot Lt. Col Thomas J. Lynch on a mission over Dagua Airfield. Over the target, Bong claimed a Ki-43 Oscar as probable and another Ki-43 Oscar as damaged. Japanese records confirm the loss of a single Ki-43 Oscar from 77th Sentai (77th Flying Regiment).
On March 8, 1944 took off from Nadzab Airfield piloting P-38J "Marge" 42-103993 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 and went Missing In Action (MIA). 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. References: General Kenney Reports pages 364-365 (March 9, 1944 sic March 8, 1944).
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 on these missions while training 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.
That same day, Bong was a passenger aboad a B-25 flying to Garbutt Field then onward to Brisbane.
On March 30, 1944 Bong ferried a new P-38J to New Guinea arriving the next day. Possibly, this was P-38J 42-104380 the next plane assigned to him. Meeting 2nd Lt. Thomas E. Malone who bailed out of P-38J "Marge" 42-103993 he was angry that his plane was lost but admitted he had experienced similar electrical issues with the plane.
During April 1944 Bong flew eighteen combat missions in P-38J-15.
On April 1, 1944 at Nadzab Airfield Bong was to fly P-38J "Down Beat" 42-104012 but the mission was aborted. Crew Chief Sam Scher remembered Bong who complimented him about the maintenance of the plane.
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) and joins eighteen P-38s from 432nd Fighter Squadron (432nd FS) over Annenberg then escort B-25s and A-20s on a mission over Hollandia. Over the target, claims a Ki-43 Oscar to the west of Lake Sentani, his twenty-fifth aerial victory claim.
On April 12, 1944 Bong took off piloting borrowed P-38J "Down Beat" 42-104012 or P-38J 42-104380 with P-38J "Corky IV" pilot Captain Cornelius M. "Corky" Smith joined a formation of twenty P-38s from the 80th Fighter Squadron (80th FS) "Headhunters" 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. References: General Kenney Reports page 387
In early May 1944, Bong was sent home to the United States to meet General Henry H. Arnold and delivered a report from General George C. Kenney. On May 12, 1944 Bong traveled to Pittsburgh to meet Rosemary Lynch, the widow of Thomas J. Lynch to tell her how her husband died. Afterwards, he departed for Poplar. 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 and attended Aerial and Ground Gunnery School at at Foster Field in Matagorda, Texas.
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Third Tour of Duty
During September 1944, Bong began his third tour of duty in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). 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. Bong flew P-38Js and his personal plane P-38J Lightning 44-23552. Later, assigned P-38L Lightning 44-23964.
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. In fact, Bong shot down J1N1 Irving pilot Lt Ozaki.
Next, he fired on a Zero with a 40° deflection shot head on but missed. Afterwards, Bong 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. Bong claimed two victories, his twenty-nine and thirty aerial victory claims.
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 during a short ceremony at Tacloban Airfield on Leyte Bong was bestowed the Medal of Honor 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.
Medal of Honor Citation (October 10, 1944–November 15, 1944)
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty in the Southwest Pacific area from 10 October to 15 November 1944. Though assigned to duty as gunnery instructor and neither required nor expected to perform combat duty, Maj. Bong voluntarily and at his own urgent request engaged in repeated combat missions, including unusually hazardous sorties over Balikpapan, Borneo, and in the Leyte area of the Philippines. His aggressiveness and daring resulted in his shooting down 8 enemy airplanes during this period." |
On December 7, 1944 after 2:00pm took off piloting a P-38L Lightning as no. 3 element leader in "Daddy Green Flight" with no. 4 wingman 1st Lt. Floyd H. Fulkerson, Jr. on a mission over Ormoc Bay. At 3:05pm Bong was the first spot the enemy, what he claimed was a Sally bomber and gave chase and shot it down off the northeast tip of Bohol. Returning to Ormoc Bay, Bong made a head on pass against a damaged Ki-44 Tojo that crashed in the sea. Afterwards, rejoined formation and a controller vectored "Daddy Green Flight" over a damaged destroyer with a single Oscar harassing, but the plane was shot down by "Daddy White Flight" led by Champlin before they arrived.
Bong was credited with 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 leading "Daddy Flight" with wingman Major Jack B. Rittmayer on a fighter sweep over Mindoro. Over the target, they intercepted a pair of Oscars. Bong claimed one Oscar shot down, his fortieth aerial claim.
On December 20, 1944 took off piloting P-38L Lightning on an escort mission over Mindoro and returns without incident. This was his last combat mission in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA).
On December 27, 1944 Bong was relieved of combat duty to return to the United States. On December 28, 1944 Bong boards a C-54 Skymaster from Air Transport Command (ATC) as a passenger on a special flight across the Pacific and three days later arrives in San Francisco.
United States
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 Bong married Marjorie "Marge" Ann Vattendahl 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 flew overseas together to the South West Pacific 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.
Afterwards, Bong reported to Santa Monica processing center. During April 1945 assigned to Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio and was briefed on technical aspects of the new P-80 Shooting Star jet fighter. At Wright Field, he logged time in Linked Trainer and flew the P-40 Warhawk, P-63 Kingcobra and P-38 Lightnings.
On April 16, 1945 took off from Wright Field piloting P-38J Lightning 42-67762 on a test flight to evaluate an experimental method of interconnecting the movement of the throttle and propeller control levers. Twenty-five minutes into the flight, "the right engine blew up before I had a chance [to conduct the test]". Bong managed to land safely at Wright Field.
In July 1945 Bong was assigned to Lockheed Aircraft Corporation factory in Burbank and the couple moved to California. Bong made acceptance flights for new P-38 Lightnings and P-80 Shooting Star jets. He also completed a training course at Muroc Lake Flight Test Base then returned to Burbank. In total, Bong made eleven 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 four 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)
Geraldine "Gerry" M. Bong Fechtelkotter (sister passed away September 20, 2024)
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
Activation And History of 17th Fighter Squadron (Provisional) P-38 Type Aircraft page 1 via Air Force Historical Research Agency
(Page 1) "14 Oct 42 - 17th Fighter Squadron [Provisional] ordered activated this date... The following officers were assigned to the squadron: 2nd Lts... Bong"
14 Nov - Capt Manning led another 8-ship [P-38] flight to Port Moresby. The pilots accomanying him were... 2nd Lts... Bong"
9th Fighter Squadron pilot roster October 1942–August 1944 via Air Force Historical Research Agency
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: 02/15/44 page 418 (PDF page 423), 03/03/44 page 421 (PDF page 426), 04/03/44 page 428 (PDF page 433) 04/12/44 page 430 (PDF page 435), 11/10/44 page 478 (PDF page 483).
Individual Flight Record (Logbook) - Richard I. Bong (amended and corrected 2001)
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 Marker Database - Major "Dick" Bong "America's Ace of Aces" (photos)
Oz@War - Richard Ira Bong Ace of Aces (photos, The Major Richard I. Bong Bridge)
General Kenney Reports: A Personal History of the Pacific War (1949) by General George C. Kenney pages 6 (Bong meets Kenney), 12 (Kenney assigns Bong to SWPA), 73 (Bong arrival Brisbane, "bad boy from San Francisco"), 125-126, 164, 171-172 (December 27, 1942), 177 (January 8, 1943), 318-319 (November 2, 1943), 345 (Bong 19 victories), 346 (aces Bong, Kearby, Lynch), 362-363 (February 28, 1944), 364-365 (March 9, 1944 sic March 8, 1944), 387 (April 12, 1944), 393-394 (April 12, 1944 Oscar confirm 28th victory), 435-436 (Bong Third Tour), 439-441 (October 10, 1944), 468-470 (Bong-McGuire, October 28, 1944), 470 (Kenney-Arnond wires about Bong), 471-472 (Bong-McGuire), 475 (November 10, 1944), 476 (November 11, 1944), 488 (November 10, 1944), 489 (November 11, 1944), 489-490 (Bong Medal of Honor), 494-496 (December 15, 1945, 39th victory), 498, 503 (Bong returns USA), 569 (August 6, 1945), 571 (5th AF aces), 581 (index Bong)
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 biography of Richard I. 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 (Bong Medal of Honor)
Stars & Bars: A Tribute To The American Fighter Ace 1920–1973 (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
Introduction to the United States Air Force (2001) page 39 (Bong)
The Missions and P-38 Lightnings of Richard I. Bong: A Synopsis (2002) details Richard I. Bong missions and P-38s
Los Angeles Times "Marjorie Drucker, 79; Wife of World War II Ace Richard Bong" October 10, 2003
Possum, Clover & Hades 475th Fighter Group in World War II (2004) pages 121 (February 1944), 136-137, 211 (ace race), 213 (Tacloban), 225 (ace race), 226-227 (December 7, 1944), 228 (December 17, 1944), 230 (photo Bong and McGuire propeller), 231 (photo Bong and McGuire tent), 232 (photo Bong Wheel Inn Dulag), 332 (index Bong)
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)
MacArthur's Eagles (2005) pages 125-126 (March 5, 1944), 129-130 (March 8, 1944), 219 (Bong freelancer), 220 (April 3, 1944), 236-239 (April 12, 1944), 290-291 (JAAF losses, March 3, 1944), 296 (JAAF losses, April 12, 1944), 342 (index Kearby), 343 (index Lynch), 339 (index Bong)
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")
Flying Circus Fighter Sweep at Tadji Drome by Jack Fellows
Victory Over Tanamerah by Jack Fellows
P-38 Lightning Aces 1942-43 (2014) pages 30 (Jan 8, 1943), 37 (June 12, 1943), 38, 41, 45, 47 (photo, Oct 29, 1943), 48-49 (Nov 5, 1943), 91 (P-38 aces SWPA), 93, 94 (profile 20 description)
Forward In Flight "Richard Bong 70th Anniversary 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
Ken’s Men Against The Empire Volume II (2019) pages 31-34, 32 (photo Rabaul 11/5/43)
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)
Race of Aces: WWII's Elite Airmen and the Epic Battle to Become the Master of the Sky (2020) pages 4-9, 18, 20,
21-22, 26-27, 33, 89-91, 103-111, 114-116, 117,
121, 123, 126, 130, 157, 175,
195-197, 198-199,
217-218, 227-231, 282 (footnote), 267-268, 271-272, 279-280, 281-282, 433-434, 168-169, 211, 227, 233-234, 266, 270, 303, 309, 314 (Flying Circus), 316-317 (foodnote), 324, 335, 343, 347-348, 401-403, 409, 417-424, 429-436, 440-443, 443-444, 470-472, 478-479, 508 (index Bong, Marge / Bong, Richard I.)
335
Badger Aces: Wisconsin Fighter 1917-1972 (2022) by Mike O'Conner pages 128-141 (Chapter 6: World War II USAAF Aces, Pacific Theater - Richard I. Bong), 277 (Appendix A Wisconsin Aces Fact Sheet), 278 (Appendix B: Wisconsin Aces by Location), 280 (Appendix C: Wisconsin Aces by Score), 282 (Appendix D: Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame), 290 (references Ace of Aces), 294 (index Bong, Richard I. and Vattendahl, Marge)
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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