Richard I. Bong P-38 Fighter Plane Discovered In Papa New Guinea

SUPERIOR, Wis. — An exciting announcement made Thursday for the Bong Veterans Historical Center. Richard Bong’s P-38 fighter plane, Marge, has been discovered in Papua New Guinea.

A team from Pacific Wrecks, a nonprofit World War II historical preservation group started the expedition on May 1st. In the announcement Thursday live from the field crews said they found something that stood out. That was the plane’s red painted wing tips, tail tips, and propellor spinners. They were also able to confirm the plane’s serial number.

“The plane has landed in ravine in the jungle. Over 80 years parts of the wreckage have eroded down a hillside through a natural impasse. And we entered this ravine at the base and began walking uphill seeing small parts and larger parts and larger parts,” said Justin Taylan, Founder and Director of Pacific Wrecks.

On March 24th, 1944 “Marge” had experienced mechanical issues while being flown by a different pilot, 1st Lieutenant Thomas Malone. Malone bailed out while the plane crashed inland from the north coast of New Guinea.

At the announcement was Bong’s 99-year-old sister. Here’s how she feels. “It’s amazing the technology to be able to talk to somebody in New Guinea and here we sit. That’s amazing,” said Jerry Fechtelkotter.

America’s top Ace, Richard I. Bong died testing a new jet in California in 1945.

As of now there are no current plans to bring the wreckage back to Superior.

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