James F. Rigg
Cpt James Francis Rigg (July 18, 1915 - July 11, 2004) from Saginaw, Michigan was a World War II Double Ace pilot who shot down eleven Japanese aircraft in the Pacific Theatre of World War II, including a Japanese Ace.[6][5]
James F. Rigg | |
|---|---|
 James Rigg | |
| Birth name | James Francis Rigg |
| Nickname(s) | Speedy[1] |
| Born | July 18, 1915 Saginaw, Michigan |
| Died | July 11, 2004 (aged 88)[2][3] |
| Buried | Arlington National Cemetery Quadrant I[2] |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ | United States Navy Air Corps |
| Years of service | 1941-1963 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Commander |
| Unit | Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15) |
| Awards | |
| Spouse(s) | Priscilla (nee) Adams[3] |
| Relations |
|
Education
Rigg was a student at the University of Michigan.[7]
Career
In July 1937 he joined the U.S. Navy Air Corps and became a fighter pilot.[7] During World War II Rigg as assigned to Fighter Squadron 15 (VF-15) and served on the USS Essex. Following the death of the squadron's commander Charles Walter Brewer, Rigg took over command of VF-15 on 19 June 1944 and served in that role until 15 January 1945.[8]
While in commanding his squadron of Hellcats in the Philippines, he shot down five Japanese aircraft in one day. He was also given credit for sinking an enemy Destroyer ship.[5] His nickname was Speedy, and he was ranked the 12th Naval Ace of WWII. He was given credit for eleven and one half kills. He earned his reputation as part of the Carrier Air Group (CAG-15) commanded by David McCampbell.[1]
Awards
- Congressional Gold Medal (2015)[4]
- Navy Cross[6] [N 1]
- 6 Distinguished Flying Crosses[5]
- Bronze Star Medal[5]
- 10 Air medals[5]
- In 2004 he was inducted into the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame[5]
References
- Smith, Roger G. (1998). Guppy Pilot. United States: Roger G. Smith. ISBN 978-1-4670-3318-3. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
- "Arlington National Cemetery: Quadrant I". Billion Graves. BillionGraves Holdings, Inc. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
- "James Rigg". Newspaper Archive. Legacy. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
- 113th Congress. "H.R.685 - American Fighter Aces Congressional Gold Medal Act". Congress.gov. Library of Congress. Retrieved 22 July 2020.
- "CAP James F. Rigg, USN (Ret.)". Rhode Island Hall of fame. Rhode Island Hall of fame. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
- "James Francis Rigg". The Wall of Valor Project. The Wall of Valor Project. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
- Layton, Andrew (2007). Wolverines in the Sky. United States: Andrew Layton. ISBN 978-1-60266-389-3. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
- "Fighter Squadron 15: "Fighting Aces"". Wings-Aviation. 22 February 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
Further reading
- Hammel, Eric (2010) [1992]. Aces Against Japan. New York: Pocket Books. ISBN 9781890988081.
- Hammel, Eric (1998). Aces in Combat: The American Aces Speak. Vol. 5. Pacifica, California: Pacifica Military History. ISBN 0935553614.
- Tillman, Barrett (1996). Hellcat Aces of World War 2. London: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1855325969.
- Tillman, Barrett (1979). Hellcat: The F6F in World War II (1st ed.). Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 978-1557509918.
Notes
- He was awarded the Navy Cross for heroism in leading a squadron that had 17 enemy kills in the Philippines September 12, 1944. He alone shot down 5 enemy planes that day.[5]