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Sharing Our Wisconsin Aviation History
This year marks the 70th anniversary of Richard Bong being awarded the Medal of Honor.

It was December 12, 1944 when General Douglas MacArthur and Major Richard Bong met on the tarmac of Tacloban Airfield in the Philippines for the ceremony. MacArthur typically made these presentations in the privacy of his office. General George Kenney, 5th Air Force Commanding Officer, created a ceremony worthy of his most successful ace with 38 victories.

Eight Lockheed P-38 Lightings arranged in a semi-circle served as a backdrop. Twelve pilots, each with twelve victories or more, served as honor guard. MacArthur was wearing a raincoat over khakis while Bong was wearing a sholderholster over his longsleeved khaki shirt. Bong had a serious and some might add a timid look on his face. The 24-year-old hero may even have been a little nervous.

WAHF is touring the state sharing the Richard Bong story through a multimedia presentation and museum style exhibit. Presentations are being scheduled now. Learn more about the Bong Anniversary Tour.