If you're a fan of WWII aviation you probably know who Major Bong is, and of the competition among American Pilots to be the highest scoring ace. Richard was pulled from front line action while in the lead with 40 kills. No American pilot topped his score. He was sent to test new jet aircraft and later died testing the P-80, ironically the same day that the atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.

Recently his last P-38 was discovered in New Guinea where it crashed while being flown by another pilot in 1944. Read about the discovery and Major Bong in the link below.

Major Richard Bong

If you want to read some about the "Ace Race" check out this link: Ace Race

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