ImageGallery

A fragment of a World War II P‑38 Lightning aircraft is displayed at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 23, 2026.
260723-F-RO664-2555.JPG Photo By: Capt. Luke Cofax

OSHKOSH, Wis. - A fragment of a World War II P‑38 Lightning aircraft is displayed at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 23, 2026. The Wisconsin National Guard assisted in recovering and transporting aircraft components from Papua New Guinea as part of an effort to bring home the historic fighter that U.S. Army Air Forces Maj. Richard I. Bong flew and named "Marge" for his future wife. The artifact’s return was made possible through the enduring Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program partnership between the Wisconsin National Guard and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. Bong, a Wisconsin native, remains the United States’ highest‑scoring fighter ace of World War II. Photo by Capt. Luke Cofax.


DOWNLOAD PHOTO (1.71 MB)


This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. If you would like to republish please give the photographer appropriate credit. Further, any commercial or non-commercial use of this photograph or any other DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at https://www.dma.mil/Services/Visual-Information/References/Limitations/ , which pertains to intellectual property restrictions (e.g., copyright and trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters.



Back to Gallery