This Day in Aviation History
August 28th, 1972
Brigadier General Richard Richie becomes the first USAF ace of the Vietnam War.

Brigadier General Richard Stephen “Steve” Ritchie (born June 25, 1942 in Reidsville, North Carolina) was an officer in the United States Air Force and the Colorado Air National Guard, and a general officer in the Air Force Reserve. Ritchie joined Navy Commander Randy Cunningham as the only two pilots (along with three airborne weapons officers) among the five American aces during the Vietnam War. Ritchie is a recipient of the Air Force Cross, the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Air Force….

Source:
Wikipedia, Richard Stephen Ritchie: http://gstv.us/1KbknnO

YouTube, AVC Oral History: Brig. Gen. Steve Ritchie – Flying Ace: http://gstv.us/1KbktvE

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