Page 60 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2020-1

RICHARD I. BONG
#1) The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes
pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Richard Ira Bong,
United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while
serving as a P-38 Fighter Pilot with the 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force in action over Lae Harbor,
New Guinea, on 8 January, 1943. While escorting a bomber formation, this officer and seven
accompanying pilots attacked approximately twenty enemy fighters. In the ensuing engagement,
Lieutenant Bong shot down one enemy aircraft with a long burst from a distance of 200 yards. This
plane was the fifth hostile aircraft destroyed by Lieutenant Bong in aerial combat. His achievement is worthy of
commendation and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
#2) The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes
pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished
Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Richard Ira Bong, United States Army Air Forces, for
extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-38 Fighter Pilot
with the 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy
while participating in fifty operational flight missions in the Southwest Pacific Area from 26 February
to 10 June, 1943, during which hostile contact was probable and expected. These operations
included escorting bombers and transport aircraft, interception and attack missions, and patrol and reconnaissance
flights. In the course of these operations, strafing and bombing attacks were made from dangerously low altitudes,
destroying and damaging enemy installations and equipment. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought
out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions, serve as an inspiration to his
fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the
United States.
#3)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes
pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished
Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Richard Ira Bong, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary
achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-38 Fighter Pilot with
Headquarters, V Fighter Command, FIFTH Air Force in an aerial flight over Rabaul, New Britain, on 29
October, 1943. Captain Bong was flying one of 13 P-38’s in a sweep over Rabaul, when
approximately fifty enemy fighters were encountered. Captain Bong dived into the enemy formation
and made a head-on attack against a Zero, causing it to roll out of control and crash. He then turned his attack on a
second Japanese aircraft, which immediately burst into flames. In this engagement, Captain Bong displayed outstanding
courage, ability and devotion to duty. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and
destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers.
60 / DFCS News Magazine / SUMMER 2020