Ever heard of the Douglas AC-47 "Spooky"? (also nicknamed "Puff, the Magic Dragon") They were flown by "cargoe" pilots yet they flew close air support for our guys in Vietnam. Their presence or non presence in the Hanoi Hilton makes their service no less "combat related".
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_AC-47_Spooky
You and others here are reasoning like democrats.
The issue under discussion is simple and specific - is he or is he not a fighter pilot.
It has nothing to do with combat.
If he flew Combat time he should be proud of that, whether it was an F-16, C-5, AC-130, B-52, or O-2.
But he is not a fighter pilot.
Understand the issue, or go with the democrats. They’re real good at being confused.