The Inaugural Event
Chuck DeBellevue is the leading “ACE” from the war in Southeast Asia and is credited with the destruction of six North Vietnamese jet fighters in aerial combat—four MiG-21s and two MiG-19s. While assigned to the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand as a F-4 Weapon Systems Officer beginning in November 1971 he flew 220 combat missions. Following his combat tour he attended Undergraduate Pilot Training, upgraded into the F-4 and went on to serve in a number of fighter squadrons. He is a command pilot with over 3,000 flying hours, 550 hours of which were in combat. His military decorations include the Air Force Cross, 3 Silver Stars, 3 Legions of Merit, 6 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 18 Air Medals.
About the Guest
Col. Charles B. DeBellevue, USAF (Ret.)
Following retirement, Chuck worked for a number of companies, both local and national, and for Oklahoma State University. He is president of the board of directors of the Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation and is a member of board of the Air Warrior Courage Foundation, part of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association.
He was selected as the Outstanding Alumni of the University of Louisiana – Lafayette for 2008. He was inducted into the Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame in 2012. He was also among the American Fighter Aces who were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.