Richard Ira “Dick” Bong was an aviation ace with a total of 40 aerial victories. He flew P-40 and P-38 fighters, earning the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Silver Star. Tragically, he died on August 6, 1945.
Early Life and Combat Debut
Like many other aces, Dick Bong engaged in hunting from a young age, and his skill in accurate shooting served him well when he took his place in the cockpit of a combat fighter. Bong arrived in the Pacific in November 1942 and participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal, flying a P-40 Warhawk with the 35th Fighter Group. His first victories quickly followed, and by January 8, 1943, the American had already shot down five enemy aircraft.
He was soon transferred to the 49th Fighter Group, equipped with the twin-engine P-38 Lightning. Utilizing the good tactical and technical characteristics of this fighter, Richard Bong steadily began to increase his victory count. By spring 1944, he was credited with 28 aircraft destroyed.
Overcoming Challenges and Return to the Front
Despite his successes, Bong was dissatisfied with his accuracy. In April 1944, he noted in his report: “Fired at a 90″ lead angle and had no success. Got on the enemy’s tail, fired at him, counted several hits, but he continued flying.”
Shortly after, Bong returned to the States, supposedly to attend gunnery courses. However, this is questionable, as it is unlikely he needed additional training after 28 victories. In late 1944, the American ace reappeared on the front and, in just 30 combat sorties, brought his tally to 40 victories.
Test Pilot and Tragic End
In December 1944, he again went to the U.S. and became a test pilot. Unfortunately, this career of his did not last long, and in August 1945, he died while testing the new F-80 Shooting Star jet aircraft. Shortly after takeoff, the engine of this machine failed, and Bong was unable to bail out with a parachute.