TFH 9/9: Captain Charles B. DeBellevue, USAF

Not long ago, I related the Air Force Cross heroics of Captain Richard S. Ritchie, USAF, the first and only Air Force pilot to achieve the title of "Ace" (five aerial victories) during the Vietnam War. In the missile age, pilots aren't the only ones credited with the kills in two-seat fighters: their weapons systems officers (WSO or "wizzo") in the back seat get credit too.

Ritchie's WSO for four of his five kills was Captain Charles B. DeBellevue. Born on August 15, 1945 in New Orleans, Louisiana, DeBellevue had hoped to attend the United States Air Force Academy but wasn't accepted. He went instead to the University of Southern Louisiana (today University of Louisiana Lafayette) and received his commission in the United States Air Force through ROTC.

In 1971, DeBellevue joined the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron ("Triple Nickel") flying from Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base. On September 9, 1972 - forty years ago to the day - he added kills five and six flying with pilot Captain John A. Madden, Jr. and became an Ace. Like Ritchie, he was awarded the Air Force's second highest award: the Air Force Cross.


From Military Times' Hall of Valor:

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 Charles B. DeBellevue (AFSN: 0-3210693), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer in the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action on 9 September 1972. On that date, while protecting a large strike force attacking a high priority target deep in hostile territory, Captain DeBellevue engaged and destroyed a hostile aircraft. Through superior judgment and use of aircraft capabilities, and in complete disregard for his own safety, Captain DeBellevue was successful in destroying his fifth hostile aircraft, a North Vietnamese MiG-19. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Captain DeBellevue reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

DeBellevue also was decorated with three Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, and six Distinguished Flying Crosses in a career that ended as a Colonel with his retirement on February 1, 1998. He is still living.

Today's 555th Fighter Squadron flys the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon as part of the 31st Operations Group, 31st Fighter Wing from Aviano Air Base in Italy.