A Message from the Executive Director

In an era of heroes, Dick Bong’s outstanding skills and extraordinary courage as a pilot made him a national celebrity. His story is not unlike that of many young people who left the towns and villages across our country to serve during World War II. Described by all who knew him as a shy and unassuming man, Dick was quick to give recognition to all who worked for the war effort, honoring his ground crew and those who flew with him, traveling the country on War Bond tours and buzzing the shipyards in the Twin Ports of Duluth and Superior. Telling Dick’s story allows us to tell their stories too and honors his spirit.

Supporting the Richard I. Bong World War II Heritage Center with your donations and memberships ensures that the story of our World War II generation will not be lost. Admission fees pay a small percentage of our operating costs; we must pay off our building loan, artifacts need careful conservation and storage, our exhibits must be updated, and we regularly develop new exhibits to tell more of the WWII story. Most importantly, we create educational programs for children and adults that bring life to the story of all that was sacrificed to preserve our freedom and teach the true meaning of the word “hero.”