US Navy captain James F. Rigg
Birth name	James Francis Rigg
Nickname(s)	Speedy[1]
Born	(1915-07-18)July 18, 1915 Saginaw, Michigan
Died	July 11, 2004(2004-07-11) (aged 88)[2][3]
Buried	Arlington National Cemetery Quadrant I[2]
Allegiance	United States
Service / branch	United States Navy Air Corps
Years of service	1941-1963
Rank	Lieutenant Commander
Unit	Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)
Awards	Congressional Gold Medal[4] Navy Cross 6 Distinguished Flying Crosses Bronze Star Medal 10 Air medals[5]
Spouse(s)	Priscilla (nee) Adams[3]
Relations	Children: Sally Meats James F. Rigg Jr.[3]

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]

Rigg was a student at the University of Michigan.^[7]

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]

• 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]

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

• 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.