Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    September 14, 1967

    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Michael R. Rigolizzo, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Co-Pilot of one of two C-124’s near Phouc Binh, Republic of Vietnam on 14 September 1967. On that date First Lieutenant Rigolizzo while flying a C-124, airlifted urgently needed weapons to U.S. Army Special Forces located in the area. This airlift required First Lieutenant Rigolizzo to operate his air- craft under hostile conditions and marginal weather into a small unsecured airfield in Vietnam War Zone D. Only by an 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 First Lieutenant Rigolizzo reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.