Wing tip from Maj. Bong’s WWII fighter plane recovered from Papua New Guinea jungle

OSHKOSH, Wis. – (Northern News Now) – The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center and its partner, Pacific Wrecks, have recovered a piece of the P-38 Lightning fighter plane “Marge” from the jungles of Papua New Guinea.

The effort, code-named Mission Marge, was carried out in partnership with the Wisconsin Air National Guard and with assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Wisconsin Air National Guard flew the artifact and the recovery team back to the United States on a KC-135 Stratotanker.

About the aircraft and its pilot

“Marge” was assigned to Maj. Richard I. Bong, credited as America’s top ace of World War II with 40 Japanese aircraft shot down. Bong named the plane after his girlfriend, Marjorie “Marge” Vattendahl, whom he later married after returning home. Gen. Douglas MacArthur bestowed the Medal of Honor on Bong. Bong died while testing a new jet in California shortly after the war.

Public displays planned

The “Marge” wing tip was showcased at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s largest airshow, from July 20–26, 2026.

The artifact will then be displayed in Poplar, Wis. — Bong’s hometown — on Sunday, July 26, from 2 to 4 p.m., off Highway 2, next to the Richard Bong Historical Marker.

The wing tip will then move to its permanent home at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior.

What they’re saying

“Being able to add an actual piece of Richard Bong’s ‘Marge’ airplane to our exhibit space is very exciting. We are bringing a tangible piece of history home and will be able to share Bong’s story with future generations,” said Briana Fiandt, curator of the Bong Veterans Museum.

“Pacific Wrecks is honored to return a piece of American history to U.S. soil,” said Justin Taylan, director of Pacific Wrecks.

“It’s great to have her back,” said Russell Lee, retired chair of the Aeronautics Department at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

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