(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Richard Stephen Ritchie, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-4D Pilot with the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia, on 8 July 1972. On that date Captain Ritchie destroyed two enemy MiG-21s in aerial combat. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Ritchie has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.




