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      Richard Bong: World War II Flying Ace

      $12.95
      Paperback: $12.95
      128 pages, 66 b/w photos and 2 maps, 7 x 9"
      ISBN: 9780870204340

      Published by Wisconsin Historical Society Press

      Ordering for retail, wholesale, school, library, or other tax-exempt organization?
      SKU: 9780870204340
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      By Pete Barnes

      Who would have imagined a farm boy from Wisconsin would be the greatest air hero of World War II? Richard Bong was an athletic and hard-working boy from northern Wisconsin who dreamed of flying from the first time a plane buzzed low over his family's farm. When war broke out, he left behind a life of sports, deer hunting, and farm chores to fly the new P-38 Lightning for the Army Air Force.

      Stationed in New Guinea, Bong shot down a total of 40 Japanese flyers in under 3 years—beating the record of 26 set by Eddie Rickenbacker in World War I. His accomplishments won this modest pilot the title "Ace of Aces” and a Congressional Medal of Honor awarded by General MacArthur himself.

      Follow Bong as he navigates his way through basic training, flight school, and life on an overseas army base. Watch as he takes to the skies in his P-38 fighter jet, outflying Japanese aircraft with barrel rolls, dives, and turns. Celebrate as he meets and marries the love of his life back home in Wisconsin, and mourn as his life comes to a swift and unexpected end during an ill-fated training flight in California.

      By Pete Barnes

      Who would have imagined a farm boy from Wisconsin would be the greatest air hero of World War II? Richard Bong was an athletic and hard-working boy from northern Wisconsin who dreamed of flying from the first time a plane buzzed low over his family's farm. When war broke out, he left behind a life of sports, deer hunting, and farm chores to fly the new P-38 Lightning for the Army Air Force.

      Stationed in New Guinea, Bong shot down a total of 40 Japanese flyers in under 3 years—beating the record of 26 set by Eddie Rickenbacker in World War I. His accomplishments won this modest pilot the title "Ace of Aces” and a Congressional Medal of Honor awarded by General MacArthur himself.

      Follow Bong as he navigates his way through basic training, flight school, and life on an overseas army base. Watch as he takes to the skies in his P-38 fighter jet, outflying Japanese aircraft with barrel rolls, dives, and turns. Celebrate as he meets and marries the love of his life back home in Wisconsin, and mourn as his life comes to a swift and unexpected end during an ill-fated training flight in California.

      Products specifications
      Details
      PublisherWisconsin Historical Society Press
      ISBN Number

      9780870204340

      Publication Year2013
      Page Count122
      Illustrations
      Format/BindingPaperback
      Trim Size7 x 9 inches

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      Products specifications
      Details
      PublisherWisconsin Historical Society Press
      ISBN Number

      9780870204340

      Publication Year2013
      Page Count122
      Illustrations
      Format/BindingPaperback
      Trim Size7 x 9 inches
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