1972: Capt Richard S. “Steve” Ritchie, flying with Capt Charles D. DeBellevue, shoots down his 5th MiG-21 becoming the first USAF ace of the Vietnam War. (This was DeBellevue’s 4th kill. Subsequently, flying with Capt John A. Madden Jr, DeBellevue earns his 5th and 6th kills).