In a remarkable discovery, the P-38 Lightning fighter plane known as “Marge,” piloted by America’s top ace of World War II, Richard I. Bong, has been unearthed after lying in obscurity for nearly eight decades.

Pacific Wrecks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of World War II-era artifacts, has unearthed the aircraft in the jungles of Madang Province, Papua New Guinea, a find that has stirred the hearts of military history enthusiasts and the legacy of American air prowess.

“We found her,” announced John Gidley, executive director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Museum during a press conference on Thursday, May 23. The discovery of “Marge” represents not just the recovery of a fallen warbird but the reconnection with a chapter of history that exudes bravery, love, and sacrifice.

Richard Bong, born in Poplar, Wisconsin, made his indelible mark on history by downing 40 Japanese planes during the war, earning him the distinction of America’s Ace of Aces. He affectionately named his P-38 after his sweetheart, Marjorie “Marge” Vattendahl, whom he later married.

In an era where the personal touch was everything, Bong’s attachment to the aircraft epitomized the deeply human side of the war – where men fought not just for country, but for the love waiting for them at home.

The journey to discovery was laden with challenges and adventure, as Pacific Wrecks director Justin Taylan described, “The group trekked to the site along old plantation trails, walking through grasslands, jungles, and up and down hillsides with help from residents of a nearby village.”

This expedition became a pilgrimage of sorts, with every step moving closer to the echoes of a past era. After navigating harsh terrain and sweltering conditions, the team stumbled upon the decisive clue – a right wingtip painted red, stamped with the final three digits of the P-38’s serial number, 993.

“Pacific Wrecks is honored to be entrusted with this important mission and proudly announces the identification of Marge,” said Taylan, recognizing the profound significance of the find.

Not only did the discovery pay homage to a hero, but it also offered closure to a story that ended abruptly with Bong’s untimely death in 1945 while testing a jet in California.

The significance of this find resonates on multiple levels. For the family, it’s a piece of their history returned. Jerry Bong Fechtelkotter, Bong’s sister, reflected, “It’s great to know that it’s been discovered and we’re happy about that.”

However, she also expressed a desire to see a piece of the P-38 returned to Douglas County, a testament to the deep personal connection the family maintains with Richard’s legacy.

The discovery has implications beyond the personal, highlighting the bravery and skill of World War II pilots and the technologies that supported their efforts. The P-38 was a formidable fighter, its distinctive twin-boom design making it a recognizable and feared presence in the Pacific theater.

For the military tech and history cohort, the discovery of “Marge” is more than a relic; it’s a tangible reminder of the audacious spirit of World War II pilots and the incredible machines they flew. It speaks to the relentless pursuit of progress, as aviation technology has since advanced from the propeller-driven fighters of Bong’s era to the state-of-the-art jet aircraft of today.

Yet, the narrative of “Marge” does not end with its discovery. Plans are underway at the Bong Center to build an exhibit that encapsulates the search, transporting visitors to the thick jungles of Papua New Guinea, offering them an immersive experience into the Pacific Wrecks team’s incredible journey.

The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Museum will be broadcasting a live event featuring Taylan to share highlights from the expedition. This interactive moment serves as a bridge between the past and the present, inviting enthusiasts to partake in the continuing saga of military history.

Relevant articles:
– Expedition Finds Richard I. Bong’s Downed P-38 ‘Marge’, aviationpros.com
– Expedition finds Richard I. Bong’s downed P-38 ‘Marge’ plane, Yahoo
– Explorers discover possible wreckage of World War II ace Richard Bong’s plane in South Pacific, KTSM 9 News
– Wisconsin Native & Medal Of Honor Recipient Richard Bong’s “Marge” WW2 Plane Found In Papua New Guinea, WSAU