The Superior Telegram recently released it’s 29th episode of Archive Dive, which is a monthly history podcast where we “dive” into the archives of historic events, people and places in Superior and Douglas County.

For this month’s episode, Telegram reporter Maria Lockwood is joined by Briana Fiandt, curator of collections at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior as they discuss the search for a piece of Richard I. Bong’s story, the “Marge” plane.

The Poplar man became America’s Ace of Aces for downing 40 enemy aircraft during World War II, which is the most by any U.S. pilot to date.

The plane was named for Marjorie “Marge” Vattendahl, Bong’s girlfriend who later became his wife. His most iconic plane was one that he only flew for three months before it crashed in Papua, New Guinea 80 years ago. As you may have heard, an expedition recently discovered the crash site of the P-38 Lightning Marge plane.

You can find that episode at superiortelegram.com or wherever you also get this podcast. You can find additional episodes here.

In case you missed last month’s episode, we are resharing it here. In May, Maria and local historian and retired librarian Teddie Meronek discssed the history of the Blatnik, Bong and Oliver bridges in an episode titled "The Bridges of Douglas County." Enjoy!