The Remarkable Life and Tragic Death of Major Richard Bong, America’s Top Ace

On the same day the atomic bomb fell on Hiroshima, August 6, 1945, Major Richard Bong—America’s top fighter ace with 40 aerial victories—was killed in a jet crash while test-flying a Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star. In his latest documentary, Bruce Gamble of Skywarrior Media traces Bong’s journey from a Wisconsin farm to wartime legend.

Moreno Aguiari
Moreno Aguiari
Richard Bong, the World War II fighter ace from Poplar, Wisconsin, was a captain when this photo was taken next to his P-38 fighter in the South Pacific in 1944. At the time, he had 25 Japanese flags flags on the side of his plane to show his score od downed enemy aircraft. Bong went on to down 40 enemy aircraft.
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Award-winning military historian and Skywarrior Media creator Bruce Gamble has released a compelling new video chronicling the extraordinary life and tragic death of Major Richard Bong, America’s top fighter ace. Supported by the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, the production offers a richly detailed tribute to a humble farm boy from Wisconsin who became a national hero. Major Bong earned his place in history during World War II by scoring 40 confirmed aerial victories in the Pacific Theater, all while piloting the formidable Lockheed P-38 Lightning. His unmatched skill and daring in the skies over the Solomon Islands and New Guinea made him a legend among his peers and a symbol of American airpower.

Despite surviving three grueling combat tours, Bong’s life was cut short on August 6, 1945—the very day the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima—when the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star he was test-flying crashed in Burbank, California. Gamble’s video takes a closer look at the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident, including a controversial claim by renowned test pilot Chuck Yeager, who suggested Bong was responsible for his own demise. The film presents this perspective alongside testimony and archival material, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions.

Featuring rare photographs and vintage film footage, the documentary delves into Bong’s personal life, military achievements, and enduring legacy. It serves as both a historical record and a poignant reminder of the cost of war—even for its greatest heroes. On Thursday, May 24, 2024, researchers led by Pacif Wreck’s Justin Tylan announced that they had likely found the wreckage of World War II ace Richard Bong’s plane in the South Pacific. The aircraft is a Lockheed P-38J-15-LO Serial Number 42-103993, assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 5th Fighter Command (V Fighter Command), Headquarters Squadron. Assigned to pilot Captain Richard I. Bong, who named it “Marge”. It had red propeller spinners, wingtips, and the top and bottom tips of the tail.

F4U 1A17740VMF 21412 43 1

Also included in Skywarrior Media’s growing library is Black Sheep Chronicles, a seven-part documentary series on the famed Marine Fighting Squadron 214 (VMF-214) and its charismatic commander, Gregory “Pappy” Boyington. Known for its gritty authenticity and extensive use of rare archival footage, the series traces the squadron’s combat history from 1942 to 1945, with special focus on its pivotal operations over Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and the Japanese fortress at Rabaul. Boyington, a Medal of Honor recipient and the highest-scoring fighter ace in Marine Corps history with 28 confirmed kills, rose to fame not only for his combat exploits but also for his best-selling memoir Baa Baa Black Sheep. The book inspired the popular NBC television series of the same name, starring Robert Conrad.

Col Greg Pappy Boyington
Probably one of the most famous photos of Col Greg ‘Pappy’ Boyington (Photo by Mike Schneider Collection)
Narrated by Gamble, Black Sheep Chronicles is a meticulously researched visual history. It features dramatic gun camera footage and rare clips of legendary aircraft such as the F4U Corsair, F4F Wildcat, P-40 Warhawk, and P-38 Lightning, among others. Scenes depict not only aerial battles but also the dangers of aviation itself, including footage of crashes and shipboard operations involving famed vessels like the USS Franklin. Together, Skywarrior Media’s productions offer a powerful and unflinching look at the men and machines that shaped the air war in the Pacific—honoring their courage, sacrifice, and the legacy they left behind. Bruce Gamble Books [WATCH: The Remarkable Life and Tragic Death of Major Richard Bong – LINK] [WATCH: Black Sheep Chronicles – LINK]
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
4 Comments
  • Remember the TV series Baa Baa Black Sheep. Read his bio, same title, by BANTAM BOOKS. Very impressive!!! As impressive as his combat story is, the story of his life from his shootdown to being liberated by US forces is even more impressive, unbelievable !!!.

    • I had the pleasure of flying with Richard Bong primary instructor–Cliff Edward in my then T28. Before he flew the P80 he asked cliff about a new type aircraft, and do you think I could fly it? Cliff told me that he said, “Richard you can fly anything ” I threw a birthday party for Cliff Edwards 98 birthday, and he said if he told Richard not to fly it, he would not have. He regretted this until Cliff’s death at 100.

  • On the feature image, stencilled on his P-38 is “Suitable for aromatics”… I’m guessing this has something to do with fuel mix? And not that he could carry an incense dispenser in the cockpit! Or, is it something else? Rem: there is no such thing as a stupid question. Be gentle 🙂

  • It should be noted somewhere that there is a large Recreational Area in Southern Wisconsin
    “Once designated to be a jet fighter base, Richard Bong State Recreation Area is named after Major Richard I. Bong, a Poplar, WI native who was America’s leading air ace during World War II. The air base was abandoned three days before concrete was to be poured for a 12,500-foot runway. Local citizens had the foresight to protect this open space for future generations.”

    A real long lasting tribute to a real hero

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