Vietnam War’s Top “Ace” Visits The Museum of Aviation

Vietnam War’s Top “Ace” visited the Museum of Aviation Friday. Retired Colonel, Charles Debellevue got a chance to see the Museum’s F-4D phantom fighter, just like the one he flew in Vietnam. Debellevue was one of only five fighter pilots in Vietnam that were credited with more than five aerial victories to become aces. While the plane he flew was one of the reasons he was so successful, it was his preparation and instincts that kept him alive.

“We had a lot of things going against us but we were flying an American built airplane. We were all aggressive, very aggressive. We all were dedicated to what we did”, said Colonel Debellevue.

In 1998, Debellevue retired, with 30 years active duty service as a Colonel.