Richard S. Ritchie Air Force Cross citation
THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
AIR FORCE CROSS
PRESENTED TO
CAPTAIN RICHARD STEPHEN RITCHIE
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Captain Richard Stephen Ritchie, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Aircraft Commander, 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action on 28 August 1972. On that date, while leading his flight to its assigned position deep in hostile territory, Captain Ritchie engaged and destroyed a hostile aircraft while it was attempting an attack on another flight of allied aircraft. Through superior maneuvering and use of aircraft capabilities, and in complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Ritchie was successful in destroying his fifth North Vietnamese MiG-21. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Captain Ritchie reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Born 25 June 1942 in Reidsville, N.C…. Starting halfback of the Air Force Academy football team… After graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy, was first in his class in pilot training… Served two tours during the Vietnam War… One of just two pilot aces of the war… Earned four Silver Stars, ten Distinguished Flying Crosses, 25 Air Medals, and numerous other decorations for valor… Retired as a brigadier general in 1999.