• Source: 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.


      Education


      Rigg was a student at the University of Michigan.


      Career



      In July 1937 he joined the U.S. Navy Air Corps and became a fighter pilot. 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.
      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. 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.


      Awards


      Congressional Gold Medal (2015)
      Navy Cross
      6 Distinguished Flying Crosses
      Bronze Star Medal
      10 Air medals
      In 2004 he was inducted into the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame


      See also


      List of World War II aces from the United States
      List of World War II flying aces


      References




      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

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