Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 1 Line: 29

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Michael R. Rigolizzo, 1st Lieutenant, USAF, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a co-pilot of 1 of 2 C-124s near Phouc Binh, Republic of Vietnam on 14 September 1967. On that date 1st LT Rigolizzo while flying a C-124, airlifted urgently needed weapons to U.S. Army Special Forces located in the area. This airlift required 1st LT Rigolizzo to operate his aircraft under hostile conditions and marginal weather into a small unsecured airfield in Vietnam War Zone D. Only by exceptional performance of duty and great skill was this mission accomplished with no undue sacrifice of personnel and equipment. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by 1st LT Rigolizzo reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Ai Force.