OSHKOSH, Wis. – The Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame (WAHF) is honoring the accomplishments of Richard Ira Bong, America’s Ace of Aces, in 2014. Bong, a native of Poplar, Wisconsin, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in December 1944.
In collaboration with the Richard I. Bong Veteran’s Historical Center, Superior, Wisconsin, the celebration of Bong’s achievements will include statewide presentations by WAHF speakers throughout the year.
His accomplishments will be conveyed by a multimedia presentation, four-panel Bong exhibit, model of the Lockheed P-38 aircraft he flew, and distribution of limited edition Bong trading cards.
Events begin May 5-7 when WAHF board members will exhibit and present at the Wisconsin Aviation Conference, taking place at The Patriot Center near Wausau.
It culminates with an event at the Richard I. Bong Veteran’s Historical Center on Friday, Dec. 12, 70 years to the day after Bong was awarded the Medal of Honor. Details will be announced soon.
WAHF speakers are available to travel to cities throughout Wisconsin, giving presentations that highlight Bong’s background and the events that led to him being selected as a Medal of Honor recipient. Representatives from service clubs, historical societies, libraries, EAA chapters, flying clubs, or any interested parties are invited to contact WAHF about scheduling a presentation. The presentation can be tailored to adults or teens. To request a speaker, call Rose Dorcey at 920-385-1483 or send an email to: [email protected].
The Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame has inducted more than 115 men and women since 1985. Its mission is to collect and preserve the history of aviation in Wisconsin, recognize those who made that history, inform others of it, and promote aviation education for future generations.