![]() The group as a whole earned 318 victories in total. In the spring of 1944, McCampbell commanded Carrier Air Group 15, also known as the “Fabled Fifteen.” While in command of the “Fabled Fifteen,” McCampbell personally accrued 34 victories. ![]() After that, he joined Fighting Squadron 4 (VF-4), followed by a three-year tour as a landing service officer (LSO) aboard the USS Wasp. ![]() Naval Academy and began his 31 years of service in 1934. David McCampbell, Navyĭavid McCampbell attended the U.S. 6, 1945, Bong’s P-80 malfunctioned right after takeoff during a routine exercise, and while he managed to eject, he died in the accident. During WWII, he was the recipient of various congratulatory gifts from military elite, including a case of Scotch from WWI ace Eddie Rickenbacker, when he beat Rickenbacker’s record of 26 kills.īong received the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, seven Distinguished Flying Crosses and 15 Air Medals. However, at the end of World War II, Bong had achieved 40 confirmed kills, earning him the title "Ace of Aces." Bong admitted that his gunnery skills were poor, but he compensated by getting as close to his targets as possible, sometimes so close that he would fly through the debris of the enemy aircraft. Achieving five confirmed kills was a feat that earned a fighter pilot the title of ace. Richard Bong was one of the most decorated American fighter pilots of all time.
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