Major Richard Bong & Major Thomas McGuire ...

[Mark Allen M]

... and a few of Charles Lindbergh, source SDASM archives


51st Fighter Group


49th Fighter Group


50th Fighter Group




F5A 02 & 8th PRS pilots at Nadzab New Guinea


9th FS 49th FG pilots


Major Richard Bong & Major Thomas McGuire


One of Bong's P-38's "Marge"


One of Bong's P-38's "Marge"


One of the many P-38's that Bong flew at the Nadzab Airfield complex


McGuire & Pudgy III at Nadzab airstrip


McGuire & Pudgy V


80th FS Pilot Ken Ladds P-38 at Dobodura airstrip


Charles Lindbergh P-38 Lightning 184 433rd Fighter Squadron Biak New Guinea July 1944


Lindbergh & McGuire


Lindbergh & McGuire


Lindbergh & McGuire


Major Richard Bong's kills 9th Fighter Squadron 49th Fighter Group


Capt Thomas McGuire's kills

[Chappie]

Cool shots Mark. I read McGuire's biography and IIRC most of the pilots in McGuire's group viewed Lindberg as some sort of idol. But McGuire cut him no slack and busted his balls just like he was an ordinary FNG. However, they were still the best of friends.


Chappie

[maxum96]

I've read stories of Lindbergh's combat missions in the P-38. I think it's awesome how he managed to get himself into combat even though Roosevelt refused to let him in the military after his prewar political views and activities. Can you imagine what it must have been like for the pilots who flew missions with Lindbergh? What a story that would have been for their children and grandchildren to hear.

Thanks again Mark for posting more awesome and impressive photos.

[Mark Allen M]

I agree it was tragic to lose both of them before the war ended. That d*mn war cause more damage to lives and families than anyone can possibly imagine.
here's some research done by some folks back in 2009 to pinpoint Bong's crash site.

http://pacaeropress.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=3576253
http://wikimapia.org/18789499/Location- ... ng-s-death

[maxum96]

I agree it was tragic to lose both of them before the war ended. That d*mn war cause more damage to lives and families than anyone can possibly imagine.
here's some research done by some folks back in 2009 to pinpoint Bong's crash site.


http://wikimapia.org/18789499/Location- ... ng-s-death

Holy crap! I've been down that street before when I lived in California. I had no idea that's where Bong crashed the P-80.

[Adam Kline]

Many American "Aces" died as a result of the early Jets. Gentile was another one. Many that survived that era can tell multiple stories of having come close to death do to a flame out.

[L-188]

Interesting topic. Can anyone tell me how many P-38's Maj Bong flew in the "Marge" paint scheme? And what was Bong's and McGuire's relationship like? I've heard that they weren't very close, given their competitive nature.

[Sgt13Echo]

Our cabin which has been in our family since 1932 is just down the road from Poplar, Wisconsin. Dick Bong's home town is Poplar, Wisconsin.

Back in the early 80's I took some pictures of the P-38 on the pole after they repainted it. I sent copies to Flypast magazine and they published the pictures and cut me a check. It was a great, but what was even better was listening to my Grandma who passed away in 2011 at the ripe old age of 102 tell stories of him and his flying around Poplar and Superior, Wisconsin while he was home on leave.

[L-188]

Our MOS's aren't very far apart i was a 13B40

[Ken]

Several years ago I flew with an airline Capt who had a gold P-38 tie tac and he explained that his mother had dated Bong at some point during his pre-Pacific training and had given her the gold pin. She, of course, married someone else but hung on to the pin and passed it to her son when he became an AF pilot. Neat story - not sure if it's true, but I don't think he was intentionally lying either.

[APG85]

I've always felt that the military/USAF has not properly honored Richard Bong. There definitely needs to be an Active (not almost) base named in his honor...

[shrike]

I've always felt that the military/USAF has not properly honored Richard Bong. There definitely needs to be an Active (not almost) base named in his honor...

While I agree, sadly the end result would either be massive loss costs in stolen signage, or piles of dead stoners at the front gate. That's assuming you could even get the name past the local NIMBYs who would have no clue, and wouldn't know how to use it if you issued them with one

[4RG.I.'S]

I've always felt that the military/USAF has not properly honored Richard Bong. There definitely needs to be an Active (not almost) base named in his honor...

While I agree, sadly the end result would either be massive loss costs in stolen signage, or piles of dead stoners at the front gate. That's assuming you could even get the name past the local NIMBYs who would have no clue, and wouldn't know how to use it if you issued them with one

I believe Shrike is referring to the Bong Air Force base that was never finished here in southern Wisconsin (Shrike, please correct me if I'm wrong). The state now owns it as a natural area, known as the Richard Bong State Recreational area:
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/richardbong/

Most people that I have heard speaking of it start with a chuckle, I then try to inform them of the true meaning. They usually had no idea and appreciate the information. I feel it's an honor to have the park here so close and in his name instead of in the northern part of the state by his hometown.
Thanks for the pictures Mark!

[APG85]

There are plenty of USAF bases that aren't' named after a person and simply carry the name of the local town (i.e. Little Rock AFB) that could be renamed in his honor. Even the airfield portion of the base could be named for him...

[Malo83]

Bong AF Academy, Colorado comes to mind