As a college student he learned to fly in the Civilian Pilot Training program; at the age of 20 he became a flying cadet in the US Army Air Corps, in time for the entry of America into World War II. Bong became America's all-time Ace of Aces, downing 40 enemy planes in the Pacific theater of the war while flying P-38 fighter planes. His many decorations for outstanding skills and extraordinary courage included the Congressional Medal of Honor. Hand-addressed free-franked mailing envelope, 5.25 x 3.75, addressed in Bong’s hand to “Mrs. Carl Bong, Poplar, Wisconsin, U.S.A.,” and signed in the upper left corner “Ct. R. I. Bong, SQ. 49th F. Group, A.P.O. 929t, [San] Francisco, Cal,” and also signed in the lower left, “Censored by R. I. Bong.” Double matted and framed with a portrait of Bong, a set of Air Force wings, and a 5th Fighter Wing patch, to an overall size of 14.5 x 31.25. In very good condition, with slight edge loss to vertical sides, scattered light toning and soiling, partial censor label over return address, and a moisture spot to return address. Oversized. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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