Richard I. Bong was an American fighter pilot during World War II, known for being the highest-scoring ace in the United States military. He was born on September 24, 1920, in Superior, Wisconsin, and joined the Army Air Forces, where he flew the P-38 Lightning aircraft. Bong achieved 40 confirmed aerial victories against enemy aircraft, earning him the Medal of Honor for his bravery and skill. After the war, Bong returned to civilian life and became a test pilot. Tragically, he died in a plane crash on August 6, 1945, while testing a new aircraft. His legacy as a skilled aviator and war hero continues to be remembered today.