Have you heard of or driven
over the BONG Bridge?
Richard Ira "Dick" Bong (September 24, 1920 – August 6, 1945) is the United States' highest-scoring air ace having shot down at least 40 Japanese aircraft during World War II. He was a fighter pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) and a recipient of the Medal of Honor.
Here are some pictures of what you will see on the trip.
Bong, the son of Swedish parents, grew up on a farm in PoplarWisconsin as one of nine children. He became interested in aircraft at an early age and was a keen model builder.
He began studying at Superior State Teachers College in 1938. While there, Bong enrolled in the Civilian Pilot Training Program and also took private flying lessons. In 1941 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program. One of his flight instructors was Capt. Barry Goldwater later Senator from Arizona and unsuccessful 1964 presidential candidate. Bong's ability as a fighter pilot was recognized at training in northern California. He received his wings and commission as a second lieutenant on January 9, 1942, and became a gunnery instructor.