This series, FWP or Famous Wisconsin People, will acknowledge the accomplishments of some well-known (and maybe not so well-known) individuals from our state.
Richard Bong was born in Superior, WI on Sept. 24, 1920 and grew up on a farm near Poplar, WI. He enrolled in the Civilian Pilot Training Program while attending Superior State Teachers College (UW-Superior) in 1938. In 1941 he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and received his wings and commission as a second lieutenant in Jan. 1942.
From Sept. 1942 through the end of 1944 Bong shot down at least 40 Japanese aircraft. He became the American Ace of Aces when he eclipsed Eddie Rickenbacker's record of 26 credited victories in April, 1944.
He received the Medal of Honor from General Douglas MacArthur in December 1944 and was sent home the next month to participate in PR activities, such as the sale of War Bonds.
Bong became a test pilot assigned to Lockhead's Burbank, California plant where he flew P-80 Shoot Star jet fighters. On August 6, 1945 there was a malfunction of his plane and he was killed. His death was front page news across the country.
The Richard Bong State Recreation Area, on the site of what was to be the Bong Air Force Base in Kenosha County, is his namesake. On Sept, 24, 2002 the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center opened to the public in Superior. It contains a museum, film screening room and a P-38 Lightning restored to resemble his plane.
You are searching for a small container hidden in honor of Richard Bong's accomplishments.
Cache placed with permission from Mark Schroeder, Director at New Berlin Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. Geocache at your own risk, be respectful of plant life, stay on the paths and obey parking regulations. Parking is located on Liberty Lane, just west of Calhoun Rd. Do NOT park at the nearby church or apartments. Park is open sunrise til 9PM. Dogs on leash are permitted. Please rehide cache as it was found so that it is not easily visible to others. There is a wonderful hiking trail from the parking lot to the cache. The paths narrow and there is bushwhacking as you approach the cache.
This cache was placed by a member of:
