Wreckage of WWII Ace Richard Bong's Fighter Jet 'Marge' Found in Papua New Guinea Jungle
The remnants of a fighter jet belonging to one of the greatest fighter pilots of World War II, Richard Bong, have been discovered in the dense jungles of Papua New Guinea. The aircraft, famously named "Marge," vanished in March 1944 after an engine malfunction over what is now Madang Province, and its wreckage has remained hidden for nearly eight decades.
Discovery in a Remote Jungle Ravine
The exploration was conducted by a team associated with the organization Pacific Wrecks and the historical research center of Richard I. Bong Veterans. The wreckage was found in a remote, heavily forested area of Madang Province, deep inside a dense jungle where travel is extremely challenging and visibility is limited. The search team had been following historical records and local leads for several years, initially being guided to a different crash site that turned out to be a Japanese aircraft.
Eventually, the team reached a steep ravine covered with vegetation and soil, where metal fragments were visible at various points along the slope. At the upper section, parts of aircraft engines were found partially buried, suggesting a nose-first impact into the terrain. The difficult access has helped preserve the wreckage in its broken form over the years.
Identification Through Physical Evidence and Serial Numbers
Identification of the plane relied on careful analysis of physical attributes at the crash site. Small pieces of metal bore marks that were closely examined by the group. One piece had the inscription "Model P-38 JK," while another displayed numbers that appeared to be part of the aircraft's serial number, though some were unclear due to corrosion.
A section of the wing also had numbers that might match the last digits of the serial number, though deciphering them was challenging. Additionally, traces of red paint were found on the wreckage, aligning with historical accounts that Bong's airplane, "Marge," had its wings painted red. These clues strongly indicate that the discovered wreckage is indeed the long-lost fighter jet.
Richard I. Bong: America’s Top World War II Fighter Ace
Richard I. Bong was one of the most renowned American fighter pilots of World War II, born in Poplar, Wisconsin. He flew the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, which he named "Marge" after his girlfriend, Marge Vattendahl. Bong is officially credited with 40 aerial victories, making him the highest-scoring American ace of the war.
Historical records suggest that he achieved multiple victories while flying "Marge," with three confirmed enemy aircraft downed during missions involving that specific plane. Bong received the Medal of Honor in 1944 and died in 1945 during a test flight in California, coinciding with the day of the Hiroshima atomic bombing.
From Engine Failure to Long-Lost Wreckage
The aircraft believed to be "Marge" crashed in March 1944 due to an engine failure, leading to a loss of control. At the time, another pilot, Thomas Malone, was flying the plane; he survived by bailing out before impact. After the crash, the plane was lost in the thick forest, with its exact location remaining uncertain despite ongoing interest from aviation researchers.
This discovery marks a significant moment in aviation history, shedding light on a pivotal chapter of World War II and honoring the legacy of a legendary pilot.
