Known as America’s “Ace of Aces,” Richard Bong is considered to be the most successful fighter pilot in the nation’s history. Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his aerial achievements over the South Pacific during World War II, Bong is credited with 40 confirmed aerial victories, known as combat “kills,” seven probable kills, as well as 11 damaged aircraft. The eldest of nine children, he grew up in a small Wisconsin farming community. Obsessed with aircraft and aviation, and an accomplished high school athlete and honor student, Bong enrolled at Superior State Teachers College in 1938. Two years later, he enlisted in the Civilian Pilot Training Corps. After logging 36 hours, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program. Beginning basic training on June 2, 1941, Bong received his commission on January 9, 1942. Assigned to the 14th Fighter Group at Hamilton Field, California, he transitioned to the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. In late August 1942, with 595 hours, about 90 of those in the P-38, Bong was shipped to the South Pacific. He flew the Lightning with the 9th and 39th fighter squadrons, downing two Japanese aircraft during his first combat mission. Bong ended his first tour with 21 kills. Returning for a second tour in January 1944, Bong continued his remarkable success, becoming the first American to break Eddie Rickenbacker’s WW I score of 26 aerial victories. After returning to the U.S. for a long series of press conferences, and a war bond promotion tour, he returned to the South Pacific in September 1944 for a third combat tour. On December 12, 1944, after his 36th confirmed victory, Bong was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. He ended his third combat tour after a total of 27 months of combat, with 200 combat missions. Less than a year later, on August 6, 1945, only 25, he lost his life testing the new Lockheed P-80 jet fighter.
Inducted in 2018.
Portrait Location: Modern Jet

Induction Video