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In the annals of World War II, few pilots are as revered and legendary as Major Dick Bong, the United States' top ace of the war. With 40 confirmed kills under his belt, he became a symbol of the bravery, skill, and determination that characterized the best of American aviation. But behind his remarkable combat achievements lies a story that blends heroism, wit, and a surprising amount of charm—including an extraordinary moment where he famously “blew up a crocodile.”
Dick Bong was a man who seemed born to fly. Raised in the small town of Poplar, Wisconsin, Bong developed an early passion for aviation. After the United States entered World War II, he joined the Army Air Forces in 1941 and quickly proved his talent. He was assigned to the Pacific theater, where his flying skills were tested in some of the most harrowing aerial battles of the war. Flying the P-38 Lightning, a versatile twin-engine fighter, Bong went on to claim the highest number of aerial kills by any American fighter pilot in the conflict.
As the war raged on, Bong’s reputation grew. His ability to engage in dogfights, paired with his keen instincts and precise tactics, made him an unmatched force in the sky. However, it was his involvement in a somewhat comical yet memorable incident in 1943 that helped humanize him and added an unexpected twist to his military legacy.
While stationed in the South Pacific, Bong’s unit was tasked with clearing out enemy positions and providing air support for ground troops. During one mission, the story goes that Bong and his fellow pilots were engaged in strafing runs near a swampy area when he encountered an unexpected foe—a crocodile. As the story was told, Bong was flying low over a swamp when he spotted the massive reptile sunning itself near the water’s edge. Seeing an opportunity to both have a little fun and carry out a target of opportunity, Bong decided to unleash a burst of machine gun fire at the creature.
While it may sound like a lighthearted tale, the event quickly became a symbol of Bong’s sharp sense of humor and his fearless nature. The pilot, known for his precision, was said to have aimed directly at the crocodile, hitting it with a spray of bullets that left the massive reptile incapacitated. It was a bizarre and unexpected moment, but for the men who witnessed it, it encapsulated the personality of Major Dick Bong—someone who could make light of even the direst situations but was always ready to act when the time came.
Of course, the story wasn’t just about the crocodile. It was a testament to Bong’s prowess as a fighter pilot. By the end of his combat tour, he had racked up an impressive 40 confirmed kills, earning the title of America’s top ace of World War II. His flying style, marked by aggression and boldness, was a key factor in his success. In addition to his individual victories, he helped lead numerous missions that turned the tide in the Pacific, directly contributing to the defeat of Japan.
Despite his fame and success, Bong remained remarkably humble. He often downplayed his role in the war, attributing his victories to the skills of his fellow pilots and the reliability of his aircraft. But for those who served with him, there was no doubt that his extraordinary talent and leadership made him one of the greatest pilots of all time.
Bong’s story took a bittersweet turn in 1945. After returning to the United States as a hero, he was assigned to help train new pilots. It was during one of these training flights that Major Dick Bong’s life was tragically cut short. On August 6, 1945, while flying an experimental P-80 Shooting Star jet, Bong crashed and was killed, leaving behind a legacy that remains unmatched to this day.
Though he was taken far too young, Dick Bong’s impact on aviation history cannot be overstated. His status as the top American ace of World War II is secured, but it’s the stories—like that of the crocodile—that remind us of the kind of man he was: someone who, in the face of danger, was always in control, always ready to laugh, and always determined to fight for his country. Major Dick Bong, the Ace of Aces, remains an icon not just for his kills, but for his bravery, his humor, and his dedication to his comrades.