They were two of the greatest heroes of World War II. But only one could be top gun...

Capturing the hearts of a beleaguered nation, the fighter pilots of World War II engaged in a kind of battle that became the stuff of legend-and those who survived showdowns earned the right to be called aces. But two men in particular rose to become something more. They became icons of aerial combat, in a heroic rivalry that inspired a weary nation to fight on.

Richard "Dick" Bong was the bashful, pink-faced farm boy from the Midwest. Thomas "Tommy" McGuire was the wise-cracking, fast-talking kid from New Jersey. What they shared was an unparalleled gallantry under fire which earned them each the Medal of Honor.

What separated them was a closely watched rivalry to see who would emerge as the top-scoring American ace of the war. What they left behind is a legacy and a record of aerial victories that has yet to be surpassed anywhere in the world.

The second edition of General George C. Kenney's book about Dick Bong.  It is unusual for a commanding officer to write a biography of one of his subordinates, but that is just what General Kenney has done. Originally published in 1960, this book provides a real glimpse at what life was like for fighter pilots in the Pacific theatre of WWII. Even better, it tells the story of our leading ace, Dick Bong.
RETURN TO LIST

PROTECT & AVENGE: THE 49TH FIGHTER GROUP IN WORLD WAR II by S. W. Ferguson & William K. Pascalis

The 49th Fighter Group in World War II. Unit history of the 49th Fighter Group in the Pacific, WWII. Richard Bong is among the heroes portrayed in this detailed account of their 30 aces and crews who achieved more than 600 kills in three years of combat. 320 pgs., 600 photos.
RETURN TO LIST

FORWARD IN FLIGHT: The History of Aviation in Wisconsin by Michael J. Goc
(Used)

The History of Aviation in Wisconsin. This book tells the story of the skies over Wisconsin with a fine mix of text and tales, plus nearly 400 photos and works of art. They are all here - the local heroes, the world-renowned inventors, the farm-boy barnstormers, and the top military commanders. Names like Cal Rodgers, Billy Mitchell, Walter Lees, Richard Bong, Paul Poberezny and many, many more which will fascinate you. 352 pgs.
RETURN TO LIST 

AMERICA'S TOP WWII ACES IN THEIR OWN WORDS: EIGHTH AIR FORCE by William N. Hess

After each mission, America's WWII pilots were required to submit a report of that day's events. Here is a selection of those reports from the greatest aces - Zemke, Bong, Yeager, and others - who recount engaging enemy pilots in dogfights, being hit with enemy fire and nursing damaged aircraft back to base. Photos and appendices listing names, units and victories, make this an invaluable reference. 224 pgs.,100 B&W photos.
RETURN TO LIST
 

DEAR MOM, SO WE HAVE A WAR by Carl Bong
Varies

REVIEW: "A wonderful mix of Bong's letters home, "testimonials" from those who flew with him, and other source documents such as his logbook. I highly recommend this book as a way to get in the mind of a young WWII fighter pilot."

ASSN COMMENT: Rare book.  Hard to find.  Sometimes it becomes available at Amazon, so if you click the "Buy Now" button you will find out the current availability.
RETURN TO LIST

LIGHTNING

The Lockheed P-38. Containing several segments, this video shows the capabilities of this acclaimed fighter. Next you can learn how to fly it; then see a short piece detailing the use of unarmed P-38s as reconnaissance aircraft in the Pacific. The next segment shows P-38 pilots planning and executing a long-range mission to shoot down Admiral Yamamoto and features real gun camera footage showing his plane going down. The final segment is a tribute to America's top scoring ace, Major Richard Bong, as he flies his P-38 and shoots down 40 enemy planes. 55 Minutes.
RETURN TO LIST
  

Amazing Accounts Recorded During the War. This collection of actual WWII recordings from AAF Radio Reports takes you along for the tension of a B-25 bombing run, the emotional eulogy for Major Richard Bong, the dropping of the first atom bomb and other dramatic events. Also includes songs such as Song of the Bombardier, I'll be Seeing You, and Spirit of the Air Corps. Two CD set - Eagles Over Europe and Silver Wings Over the Pacific. Forty-two tracks; 144 total

A PAIR OF ACES by Stan Stokes

The two top-scoring American aces of WWII, Richard Bong and Tom McGuire, are depicted here in their P-38 Lightnings. Both of these highly decorated aces were killed before the war's end.

16"x 11½" limited edition print.
RETURN TO LIST

P-38 "FRONT PAGE"
Ken Kotik.

A highly innovative piece of art, this P-38 Lightning montage features a photograph of Richard Bong next to his famous Marge, an illustration of a newspaper clipping of the day, and other items from the period that give it a truly nostalgic flavor. 17"x 11" limited edition print is signed and numbered by the artist.

PANEL REPRODUCTION - MARGE (Richard Bong's P-38) by Gary Velasco

Hand painted, authentic reproduction of the nose art of Maj. Richard Bong's P-38. Panel is a scaled-down version of the real thing and is made of two-piece aluminum construction. 

Ready to display on the two attached D-ring hangers.
RETURN TO LIST
 

U.S. Aviation Aces 1/35 Metal Figures (Including Bong)

Meticulously detailed and painted by hand, these 1/35 scale metal figures represent four of America's greatest World War II aces: USAAF Majors Dick Bong and Thomas McGuire, USAAF Lt. Col. Francis "Gabby" Gabreski, and U.S. Marine Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington. Perfect for display or for adding to a World War II diorama, each figure measures approximately 2" tall.