Dick Bong was born in Superior, Wisconsin, and grew up on the family farm in nearby Poplar. He became America's all-time Ace of Aces, downing 40 enemy planes during World War II in the Pacific theater while flying P-38 fighter planes. His many decorations for outstanding skills and extraordinary courage included the Congressional Medal of Honor. He was ordered home for his safety and married his sweetheart, Marge, in Superior. Six months later, August 1945, Dick was killed test piloting the first jet fighter plane.

After his funeral, a group of businessmen and residents of Poplar formed the Richard Ira Bong Memorial Foundation, Incorporated, with the goal of raising funds for a memorial. In 1955, ten years after his death, a memorial was dedicated to Dick Bong in his hometown.

The Bong P-38 Fund, Incorporated, replaced the Foundation in 1988, with a goal to restore and preserve the P-38 Lightning that had been donated to the Memorial by the Richard Bong American Legion Post in Superior.

While the Board was planning a permanent shelter for the plane, the 50th anniversary of the end of WWII was celebrated. People quickly learned that many know little about that war and its lasting effect on our way of life. As a result, a vision evolved for expanding plans for the new building to a much-needed World War II Heritage Center, using the P-38 as the main exhibit. The goal of the Board of Directors is to implement this vision.