Page 61 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2020-1

RICHARD I. BONG
#4) The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes
pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth 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 aerial flight near Rabaul, New Britain, on 5
November, 1943. Captain Bong was flying one of eleven P-38s on an escort mission when
approximately fifteen enemy fighters were encountered. Captain Bong dived after two of the enemy
planes, opened fire on the nearest aircraft from 100 yards, scoring with a short burst that caused the airplane to
explode. He then turned after the other hostile fighter, which attempted evasive action when hit, but continued to lose
altitude rapidly, finally exploding. The courage, ability, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Bong on this occasion
are worthy of the highest commendation. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of
the United States.
#5) The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes
pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth 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 Tadji, New Guinea, on
3 March, 1944. Captain Bong was a member of a two-plane formation engaged on a fighter sweep
over this Japanese base. While approaching, an enemy bomber was observed heading east, and the
two fighters dived and hit this aircraft with sustained bursts. Captain Bong’s attack left the plane burning and it crashed
among the trees about two miles from the strip. After diving away from several intercepting Zeros, he closed on another
bomber, his fire severing the enemy aircraft’s tail assembly. The hostile plane crashed, exploding on impact with the
ground. The courage, ability and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Bong on this occasion are worthy of the
highest commendation. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
#6)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes
pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying
Cross to Major (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 the Pacific Theater of Action during World War
II. The skillful and zealous manner in an aerial flight over Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea, on 12 April,
1944. Major Bong, flying in a formation
of P-38s, encountered six Japanese interceptors. He dived
to engage one of them, whereupon the enemy attempted
to escape toward a cloud formation. Major Bong fired
upon the fighter, causing smoke to pour from the engine.
After disappearing into the clouds, it emerged in a steep
dive, continuing down into the sea. This officer
encountered another fighter below, and after pursuing this
aircraft close to the water, he fired upon it until it crashed
into the sea. He then attacked and shot down a third
enemy aircraft, which crashed into the ground. Major
Bong’s outstanding courage and devotion to duty are
worthy of the highest commendation. His actions reflect
the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of
the United States.
SUMMER 2020 / DFCS News Magazine / 61