Mission: Marge
Justin and his team have finally touched down in the capital city of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Their first stop is a place steeped in history—14 Mile Drome, a former airstrip during WWII.
At 14 Mile Drome, they meet Thomas, a local historian who has dedicated himself to preserving the memories of WWII. Thomas has collected an array of artifacts from the surrounding area, curating a small outdoor museum that showcases the remnants of a pivotal time in history. Rusted helmets, spent ammunition, and fragments of aircraft are displayed.
This very location was where Major Richard Ira Bong was stationed in late 1942, marking the beginning of his combat career in the Pacific. From 14 Mile Drome, Bong flew his first combat missions over Buna and fought in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. His experiences here would shape him into America’s top ace of WWII.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow Justin’s journey, tracing the steps of a hero and uncovering the stories that shaped our history.
