In a collaborative effort, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior, Wisconsin, and the nonprofit organization Pacific Wrecks have announced their partnership in an upcoming search for World War II ace pilot Richard Bong's plane wreckage. The search is set to take place in the South Pacific region, specifically in Papua New Guinea, where Bong's plane crashed in March 1944.

The search operation, spearheaded by Pacific Wrecks founder Justin Taylan, is scheduled to commence in May and is expected to last for nearly a month. Generating funds through donations, the estimated cost of the search is approximately $63,000. The historical records available indicate an approximate location of the crash site, providing hope for the team that they will be able to locate the wreckage.

Although engine failure caused the plane to go into a spin, pilot Thomas Malone managed to bail out before the crash occurred in the dense jungle of Papua New Guinea. However, the condition of the wreckage remains uncertain, leaving uncertainty as to whether it will be conclusively identifiable as Bong's plane, named Marge.

Taylan expressed confidence in finding the plane's wreckage, noting that the historical records narrowed down the potential crash site. However, he emphasized the importance of discovering a serial number from the airplane to validate its identity as Marge.

Richard Bong, a decorated pilot, is a significant figure in World War II history. His contributions and heroism are honored by a bridge that connects Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota, named after him.

The collaborative effort between the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center and Pacific Wrecks highlights the dedication to preserving historical artifacts and commemorating the legacy of Richard Bong. Both organizations are committed to ensuring that the sacrifices made by Bong and other World War II veterans are remembered and honored for generations to come.

As the search expedition approaches, hopes are high that the wreckage will be found, providing further insights into the remarkable story of Richard Bong and his important role in the annals of military history.