University of Wisconsin-Superior Athletics

Major Richard I. Bong of Poplar, Wisconsin, attended UW-Superior but then left to serve in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He is the United States' all-time leading air combat ace. Major Bong died a few days before the war ended while testing a jet aircraft.

Accomplishments

• 40 aerial victories in World War II
• America's "Ace of Aces"
• Congressional Medal of Honor