1972: To become the Vietnam War’s leading ace, Capt Charles B. DeBellevue, flying as a weapon systems officer in a 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-4, shoots down his fifth and sixth enemy planes. He become the first non-pilot ace in the USAF. For this feat, DeBellevue shares the 1972 Mackay Trophy with other ace Captains Richard S. “Steve” Ritchie and Jeffrey S. Feinstein.