1973: The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) presented the 1972 Mackay Trophy to three USAF Vietnam aces. To become the USAF’s Vietnam War leading ace, Capt. Charles B. DeBellevue, flying as a weapon systems officer in a 555 TFS F-4, shoots down his fifth and sixth enemy plane. He became the first non-pilot ace in the USAF. For this feat, DeBellevue shares the 1972 Mackay Trophy with Captains Richard S. “Steve” Ritchie (left) and Jeffrey S. Feinstein (right).
