World War II ace pilot Richard Bong’s missing fighter plane “Marge” found deep in Papua New Guinea Jungle after 80 years of mystery

The remnants of a fighter jet, which belonged to one of the greatest fighter pilots of World War II, Richard Bong, are believed to have been found in Papua New Guinea. The plane, called “Marge,” disappeared in March 1944 after an engine malfunction while flying over the area that is currently called Madang Province. The exploration was conducted by people associated with the organization “Pacific Wrecks” and the historical research center of Richard I. Bong Veterans. There are indications that the serial numbers inscribed on the fragments of the found metal match those registered for the aircraft. The plane was found in the jungle, and its access remains challenging; hence, it has survived in its broken form.

World War II aircraft wreckage discovered in dense jungle ravine of Madang Province after years

The wreckage was found in a remote, heavily forested area of Madang Province in Papua New Guinea. The location is deep inside dense jungle, where travel is difficult and visibility is limited. The search team included members from Pacific Wrecks and representatives connected to the Bong historical centre. They had been following historical records and local leads for several years.At first, the team was guided to a different crash site in the region. That site turned out to be a Japanese aircraft, not the missing American fighter. The search continued further inland. Eventually, the team reached a ravine. The terrain was steep, covered with vegetation and soil. Metal fragments were visible at different points along the slope.At the upper section of the ravine, parts of aircraft engines were found partially buried in the ground. The position suggested a nose-first impact into the terrain.

How physical evidence and serial numbers helped identify the aircraft

Identification of the plane depends on various physical attributes found in the crash site. Various small pieces of metal had marks that were closely analysed by the group. One of these pieces of metal is said to have borne the inscription “Model P-38 JK.” Also, another piece of metal bore numbers that seemed to be part of the airplane’s serial number, though some of the numbers were not clear owing to corrosion, according to AP reports.A section of the wing also had numbers that might have been the last few numbers in the aircraft’s serial number, though it was hard to decipher clearly. There were traces of red paint on the crashed airplane. Historical accounts state that Bong’s airplane was called ‘Marge,’ and had its wings painted red.

Richard I. Bong and his rise as America’s top World War II fighter ace

As reported by AP, Richard I. Bong was one of the most well-known American fighter pilots of the Second World War. He was born in Poplar, Wisconsin, and became a highly skilled pilot during his service in the Pacific theatre.He flew the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, an aircraft 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. During his combat service, he reportedly achieved multiple victories while flying “Marge.” Historical records suggest three confirmed enemy aircraft were downed during missions involving that specific plane.Bong received the Medal of Honor in 1944, one of the highest military awards in the United States. His reputation grew significantly during the war due to his combat record. In 1945, Bong died during a test flight in California while flying a different aircraft, a P-80 jet. His death occurred on the same day as the Hiroshima atomic bombing.

World War II aircraft “Marge” crash: From engine failure to long-lost wreckage

The aircraft believed to be “Marge” went down in March 1944. At the time, another pilot, Thomas Malone, was flying the plane. Reports indicate that an engine failure led to the loss of control.The aircraft entered a spin and crashed into dense jungle terrain. Malone survived after bailing out of the aircraft before impact.After the crash, the plane was lost in the thick forest and remained undiscovered for decades. Its exact location was uncertain, despite historical documentation and ongoing interest from aviation researchers.