Richard Bong
| Richard Ira Bong | |
|---|---|
 
Major Richard I. Bong, Medal of Honor recipient
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Dick Bong, "Bing Bong", and "Ace of Aces" |
| Born |
September 24, 1920 Superior, Wisconsin, United States |
| Died | August 6, 1945 (aged 24) North Hollywood, California, United States |
| Place of burial | Poplar, Wisconsin, United States |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States ArmyArmy Air Forces |
| Years of service | 1941–1945 |
| Rank |
 Major
|
| Unit | 49th Fighter Group, V Fighter Command |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
 Medal of Honor Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (7) Air Medal (15) |
Richard Ira "Dick" Bong (September 24, 1920 – August 6, 1945) was a United States Army major who was a member of the Army Air Forces in World War II and a Medal of Honor recipient. He was one of the most-decorated fighter pilots and the United States' highest-scoring air ace in the war, being credited with shooting down 40 Japanese aircraft. All of his aerial victories were in the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter.
Bong, the son of Swedish immigrants, grew up on a farm in Poplar, Wisconsin, as one of nine children. He became interested in aircraft at an early age and was an avid model builder.
He began studying at Superior State Teachers College (the current-day University of Wisconsin–Superior) in 1938. While there, Bong enrolled in the Civilian Pilot Training Program and also took private flying lessons. On May 29, 1941, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program. One of his flight instructors was Captain Barry Goldwater (later Senator from Arizona).
Bong's ability as a fighter pilot was recognized at training in northern California. He was commissioned a second lieutenant and awarded his pilot wings on January 19, 1942. His first assignment was as an instructor (gunnery) pilot at Luke Field, Arizona from January to May 1942. His first operational assignment was on May 6 to the 49th Fighter Squadron (FS), 14th Fighter Group at Hamilton Field, California, where he transitioned into the twin-engine P-38 Lightning.
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