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Richard Bong

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United States Air Force Medal of Honor recipient (1920-1945)

United StatesLived 1920 to 1945 · aged 24
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Richard Ira "Dick" Bong was a United States Army Air Forces officer and Medal of Honor recipient in World War II. He was one of the most decorated American fighter pilots and the country's top flying ace in the war, credited with shooting down 40 Japanese aircraft, all with the Lockheed P-38 Lightning.

Also inDeutsch

Photos 10

Major Bong in his P-38Major Bong in his P-38Major Bong with General Douglas MacArthur and General Kenney on December 12, 1944Major Bong with General Douglas MacArthur and General Kenney on December 12, 1944Bong was killed in 1945 while testing a P-80A similar to this one.Bong was killed in 1945 while testing a P-80A similar to this one.His death was featured prominently in national newspapers, even though it occurred on the same day as the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.His death was featured prominently in national newspapers, even though it occurred on the same day as the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.Medal of HonorMedal of Honor

Awards 6

1986National Aviation Hall of Fame
Distinguished Flying Cross
Medal of Honor
Air Medal
Silver Star
World War II Victory Medal

Connected to Richard 6

Robin OldsAlso won National Aviation Hall of FameJoseph StilwellAlso won World War II Victory MedalSteve FossettAlso won National Aviation Hall of FameErnest KingAlso won World War II Victory MedalWalter Bedell SmithAlso won World War II Victory MedalWiley PostAlso won National Aviation Hall of Fame

About this person

Richard Ira "Dick" Bong was a United States Army Air Forces officer and Medal of Honor recipient in World War II. He was one of the most decorated American fighter pilots and the country's top flying ace in the war, credited with shooting down 40 Japanese aircraft, all with the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. He died in California while testing a Lockheed P-80 jet fighter shortly before the war ended. Bong was posthumously inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1986 and has several commemorative monuments named in his honor around the world, including an airport, two bridges, a theater, a veterans historical center, a recreation area, a neighborhood terrace, and several avenues and streets, including the street leading to the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

Country
United States
Type
Other
Status
deceased
Dates
Lived 1920 to 1945 · aged 24
Written about in
21 languages

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