A P-38 fighter named “Marge” flown by Major Richard I. Bong was discovered in the dense jungles of Papua New Guinea. The discovery was announced at a press conference in Duluth on May 23 by the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center and the nonprofit Pacific Wrecks.
“We found her,” said John Gidley, executive director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Museum. It ends an 80-year mystery into the aircraft flown by America’s top World War II ace credited with shooting down 40 Japanese planes.
The P-38, painted with the portrait of Bong’s girlfriend Marjorie “Marge” Vattendahl, was flying when it encountered mechanical failure and crashed in the heavy jungles of Madang Province on 24 March 1944, piloted by 1st Lt. Thomas Malone. Malone bailed out safely, but the plane was lost in the jungles of Madang Province.
Justin Taylan, the founder of Pacific Wrecks, led the team that finally located the wreck. “Mission accomplished,” Taylan said, as the identification was confirmed by the aircraft’s unique serial number, 42-103993. The team found remains of the plane strewn along a ravine, with the red-painted wingtip carrying the last digits “993” that marked it as Marge.
It was indeed an arduous discovery-one entailing grasslands, jungles, and hillsides trekking, abetted by villagers. Despite the challenges in the operation, the team was able to find major portions of the aircraft, including its engines and wingtip.
Bong was born in Poplar, Wisconsin, and emerged as a national hero during World War II. General Douglas MacArthur presented him with the Medal of Honor. He married Marge Vattendahl. Bong was killed during a test drive of a jet in California after the war.
The wreckage of Marge not only solves a decades-long historical mystery but also acts as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that were given during the war. “This discovery honors Richard Bong’s memory and the sacrifices of all who served during World War II,” noted Briana Fiandt, curator of the Bong Center.
Members of the Bong family said they were thrilled by the discovery. “It is amazing and incredible that ‘Marge’ has been found and identified,” said James Bong, Richard Bong’s nephew.
Next comes an exhibit that will put visitors into the search and the discovery experience. “I want to put visitors in the jungle with the Pacific Wrecks team,” Fiandt said, working to bring the story of Richard Bong and his iconic aircraft to life.
The wreckage of Marge in the jungles of New Guinea testifies to an enduring legacy of America’s Ace of Aces and the indomitable spirit of those who served during World War II.