America lost its top air ace, Major Richard Bong, in a tragic accident while testing the new Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star jet fighter. Bong, a celebrated WWII fighter pilot known for his prowess in the P-38 Lightning, was killed when the jet crashed during a test flight. This footage includes scenes of the wreckage being cleared and a flyover by P-38 Lightning fighters as a tribute to Bong’s remarkable career. As the first operational jet fighter of the United States Army Air Force, the P-80 was a groundbreaking aircraft, and Bong's involvement in its testing underscores his continued dedication to advancing American aviation. This tribute to Bong captures both the tragedy of his death and his legacy as a legendary fighter pilot.
1945 August 9th: Atomic Bomb, Richard Bong, 10th Armored Division