Vietnam fighter Ace speaks to Airman Published Nov. 3, 2009 By 17th Training Wing Public Affairs 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas -- Brigadier General Steve Ritchie speaks to personnel at Goodfellow AFB on Oct. 29 about being America's last Ace. Gen. Ritchie graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1964 and later became one of the most highly decorated individuals in U.S. military history. He was the only Air Force "Ace" of the Vietnam conflict and is the only American pilot to down five MiG-21s and may be the last fighter pilot Ace in the history of aerial combat. He was awarded the Air Force Cross, four silver stars, ten Distinguished Flying Crosses and 25 Air Medals.
