A piece of military history has officially returned home to Superior.
The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is proud to announce that, as of today, the recovered wingtip from Mission Marge is officially on display at the Bong Center. Visitors can now see the historic artifact in person during the museum’s regular hours, displayed on the lower level directly in front of the museum’s P-38 Lightning.
The wingtip is a tangible piece of the story of Major Richard “Dick” Bong, America’s Ace of Aces, and his legendary P-38 Lightning, Marge. Recovered as part of Mission Marge, the artifact traveled thousands of miles from Papua New Guinea back to Wisconsin, where it can now be preserved and shared with the public.
“This is an incredible moment for the Bong Center and for everyone who has supported Mission Marge,” said John Gidley, the Museum Director. “For years, this was a piece of Richard Bong’s story that remained half a world away. Now, our visitors have the opportunity to stand in front of it and see a physical connection to the aircraft and the man behind the legend.”
The current display is temporary. The Bong Center is developing a permanent Mission Marge exhibit that will provide additional context about the aircraft, Major Bong’s history, the recovery mission in Papua New Guinea, and the people who helped bring this piece of history home.
Until that permanent exhibit is completed, visitors can experience the wingtip as part of their regular visit to the Bong Center. It is located on the lower level, in front of the museum’s P-38 Lightning.
The Bong Center invites the public to come see this historic artifact and witness the next chapter of the Mission Marge story.
The wingtip is home. The story continues.
