Navy Federal Credit Union

Jeffrey Feinstein Graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1968. Captain Feinstein was one of only three U.S. Air Force ACEs of the Vietnam War, along with fellow AFC recipients Captain Charles DeBellevue and Captain Steve Ritchie. Lieutenant Colonel Feinstein was the last member of the U.S. Air Force to achieve ACE status to the present. He retired in 1996 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    October 13, 1972

    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 Jeffrey Samuel Feinstein, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer in the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action against the Paul Doumer Bridge, a major north-south transportation link on Hanoi’s Red River in North Vietnam, on 13 October 1972. On that date, while protecting a large strike force attacking a high priority target deep in hostile territory, Captain Feinstein engaged two enemy aircraft and destroyed one as they attacked the vulnerable chaff-dispensing flight. Having destroyed one of the aircraft and realizing that his wingman was coming under fire, Captain Feinstein continued his attack on the second enemy aircraft. This courageous and aggressive maneuver negated the immediate threat to his wingman and caused the second MiG-21 to flee the area in which he would constitute a threat to the strike forces. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Feinstein reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    September 9, 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Jeffrey Samuel Feinstein, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer of the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 9 September 1972. On that date, Captain Feinstein led a flight of four F-4 tactical fighter aircraft on a combat air patrol mission in support of a strike force attacking the northeast railroad in North Vietnam. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Feinstein disrupted an attack on the friendly force by four hostile aircraft, and later gave valuable assistance which contributed directly to the successful recovery of a downed aircrew. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Feinstein reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    July 18, 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain Jeffrey Samuel Feinstein, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer in the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 18 July 1972. On that date, Captain Feinstein, an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer, led a flight of four tactical fighter aircraft on an air superiority mission in support of a strike force over North Vietnam. When a flight of hostile aircraft attacked the earlier air defense flight during its egress from the target area in a low fuel state, Captain Feinstein, with complete disregard for his safety, attacked both and shot down one after a high speed, extremely low altitude chase. Because of this selfless action, the earlier friendly flight egressed safely and the strike force was able to accomplish its mission unhindered by hostile aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Captain Feinstein has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    July 29, 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Captain Jeffrey Samuel Feinstein, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer in the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia, on 29 July 1972. On that date, Captain Feinstein, an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer, led a flight of four F-4 tactical fighter aircraft on a MiG Combat Air Patrol to protect strike aircraft attacking targets northeast of Hanoi, North Vietnam. While braving extremely heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Captain Feinstein not only provided protection for the strike aircraft but also successfully engaged and shot down one of the harassing hostile MiG aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Captain Feinstein reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    May 31, 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Jeffrey Samuel Feinstein, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer in the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 31 May 1972. On that date, Captain Feinstein, an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer, was element lead in a flight of four F-4D aircraft on a Combat Air Patrol mission in support of a strike force attacking vital targets in the vicinity of Kep Airfield, North Vietnam. During the mission, the flight provided protection for the strike force by engaging eleven hostile aircraft, and Captain Feinstein further gave immediate and direct support to the members of his own flight by engaging and shooting down a North Vietnamese MiG-21 that was attacking the lead element. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Feinstein has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    September 30, 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Jeffrey Samuel Feinstein, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon System Officer of the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 30 September 1917. On that date, Captain Feinstein led a flight of four tactical fighter aircraft on a mission to provide protection from hostile aircraft for chaff bombers and strike aircraft on a mission near Hanoi, North Vietnam. When a flight of two hostile aircraft attempted a high altitude, supersonic attack on the chaff flight, Captain Feinstein aggressively engaged them, forced them to break off their intercept, and very nearly shot down both aircraft in a lengthy dogfight over hostile territory. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Feinstein reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    April 16, 1972

    Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Order GB-246 (March 5, 1973)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Jeffrey Samuel Feinstein, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer in the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over hostile territory in Southeast Asia, on 16 April 1972. On that date, Captain Feinstein, an F-4D Weapon System Officer, participated in a flight of four F-4D tactical fighter aircraft providing air defense support for fighter-bombers in the vicinity of Hanoi, North Vietnam. When a flight of two hostile aircraft attempted to attack the formation, Captain Feinstein led his element against the hostile formation and shot down the second aircraft. This courageous and aggressive attack, while faced with the constant threat of surface-to-air missiles, kept the hostile aircraft from attacking friendly aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Feinstein has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    June 12, 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Jeffrey Samuel Feinstein, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over hostile territory on 12 June 1972. On that date, Captain Feinstein directed three flights of tactical strike aircraft against numerous heavily defended targets in North Vietnam. While enduring extremely heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire, he successfully directed these flights in the destruction of two large petroleum areas, ten trucks, and numerous other enemy supplies. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Feinstein reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Samuel Feinstein, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Feinstein culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    June 9, 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Jeffrey Samuel Feinstein, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 9 June 1972. On that date, Captain Feinstein was leading a flight of four F-4 tactical fighter aircraft on a combat air patrol mission in support of a strike force over North Vietnam, when two hostile aircraft threatened to disrupt the strike force. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Feinstein pursued both and probably destroyed one of the hostile aircraft, allowing the strike force to accomplish its important mission, and led his flight home safely. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Feinstein reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.