Richard Stephen Ritchie
Richard Stephen Ritchie | |
|---|---|
Ritchie, circa 1973 | |
| Nickname | Steve |
| Born | June 25, 1942 |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Air Force Colorado Air National Guard |
| Service years | 1964–1999 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Conflicts | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Air Force Cross Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (4) Distinguished Flying Cross (10) Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal (25) Mackay Trophy Jabara Award |
| Other work | Congressional candidate motivational speaker |
Brigadier General Richard Stephen Ritchie (born June 25, 1942) served as an officer in the United States Air Force and the Colorado Air National Guard, and a general officer in the Air Force Reserve. Ritchie joined Navy Commander Randy Cunningham as the only two pilots (along with three airborne weapon systems officers) among the five American aces during the Vietnam War. Ritchie is a recipient of the Air Force Cross, the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Air Force. Additionally, he is the 30th most decorated service member in United States history.