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 mailing envelope, addressed in Bong’s hand to “Mrs. Carl Bong, Poplar, Wisconcin, U.S.A.,” and signed in the upper left corner “Capt. Richard I. Bong, 5th Fighter Command, A.P.O. 713 Unit, San Francisco, Cal,” and also signed in the lower left, “Censored by R. I. Bong.” Reverse bears a statement of provenance from Bong’s sister Joyce Bong Erickson, stating, “As a sister of Richard Bong’s I verify that this is his writing on front of envelope.” Uniform overall toning, some scattered light soiling, creasing to left edge affecting both signatures, and paper loss to right edge from opening, otherwise very good condition. Rare offering of this American hero. RRAuction COA.
