Up for auction is the following autographed 4x6 photograph:

 

BIO: Charles Chuck DeBellevue is America’s top ace from the Vietnam War, and the first US Air Force weapons systems officer (WSO) to become an ace. In 1971, he was sent to the famed 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Udorn Royal Thai Air Base. As a WSO with the “Triple Nickel,” DeBellevue scored six aerial victories over North Vietnamese MiGs. He gained the first of his four victories while crewed with Steve Ritchie, who became the first US Air Force ace over Vietnam. DeBellevue became the second Air Force ace when he downed two MiGs on 9 September 1972. Shortly after engaging the enemy fliers, DeBellevue and pilot, John Madden, “Olds 1,” merged with two MiG-19 Farmers. The first MiG-19 was downed shortly after the merge with two heat-seeking Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Following an intense visual engagement at over 9 G’s, the second MiG-19 was hit with another AIM-9. After the second MiG crashed, extremely thick anti-aircraft fire filled the sky. Short on fuel, “Olds” flight egresses for safety. Altogether, DeBellevue logged 550 combat hours while flying 220 combat missions, 96 of which were over North Vietnam.Col. Charles Chuck DeBellevue Vietnam the first U.S. Air Force Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) to become an Ace. Recipient of the Air Force Cross Recipient (2nd highest military decoration), 2 Silver Stars (3rd highest military decoration in United States military), 2 Legion of Merit, 5 Distinguished Flying Crosses.

Air Force Cross Citation:
 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. 

1st Silver Star Citation:
Captain Charles B. DeBellevue (AFSN: 0-3210693), United States Air Force, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia. Captain DeBellevue's gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

2nd Silver Star Citation:
Captain Charles B. DeBellevue (AFSN: 0-3210693), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia. Captain DeBellevue's gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

3rd Silver Star Citation:
Captain Charles B. DeBellevue (AFSN: 0-3210693), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia. Captain DeBellevue's gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

 

THIS IS AN AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED 4x6 PHOTOGRAPH. I ONLY SELL AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED MEMORABILIA. I do not sell reprints or facsimile autographs. When you bid on my items you will receive the real deal authentic hand autographed items. You will receive the same signed photograph that is pictured in the scan. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. PLEASE NOTE this 4x6 photograph was printed and then autographed post war. I combine S&H when multiple items are purchased. I ship items internationally the price for international S&H varies by country. I currently have other rare autographed military and historical signed items available. Please take a look at my other auctions of rare military and historical autographed items.