Learning Center
Our Enshrinees
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Enshrined: 1986
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Birth: September 24, 1920
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Death: August 6, 1945
Richard Ira Bong
- January, 1943 became an “ace” with five confirmed victories in just over a month.
- In April 1944 he recorded his 27th victory to pass Eddie Rickenbacker, World War I ace with 26 victories. He received the Congressional Medal of Honor in December 1944.
- After two years of combat, including over 200 missions, Bong had 40-recorded victories and seven probable victories.
- On Aug. 6th, 1945, in a test flight of the P-80 his plane exploded and Bong was killed. Coincidently, it happened the very same day the Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
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Enshrined: 1986
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Birth: September 24, 1920
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Death: August 6, 1945
Thank You
Enshrinement 2023 was one for the record books! Thank you to our Enshrinement sponsors and Attendees for making the event a tremendous success.