Assigned to 487FS, 352FG, 8AF USAAF. Flew 76 combat missions over Europe, totalling 272 combat hours. Credited with 5 kills, including downing 2 x 190's and 2 x 109's on 1-Jan-45 over his home base of Asch, Belgium/Y-29. Additionally credited 1 x ground. Ended Tour Duty (ETD).



Awards: DFC, SS, AM (7OLC), WWII Victory, EAME, American Campaign, Defense and Air Force Commendation Medal, Korean and UN medal.



Post war: Remained in USAF serving in Korean war with 33rd Air Division of Air Defense Command. Served 25 years with Utah Air National Guard retiring in 1978 at the rank of Major. Worked as an ATC supervisor for the Federal Aviation Administration's Salt Lake Center. Inducted into the Utah Aviation Hall of Fame at Hill AFB.



Silver Star Citation reads:



For gallantry in action against the enemy, 1 January 1945. Lieutenant Rigby, with his Squadron, was taxiing down the runway for a take off at an advanced airbase on the Continent when approximately fifty (50) enemy fighters attacked. Although taken completely by surprise and handicapped by full fuselage fuel tanks, he engaged and destroyed one (1) FW-190 almost before the wheels had retracted. When his gunsight ceased to function while pursuing another enemy aircraft, he closed in and opened fire at point blank range, observing the plane crash in some trees. Returning over the airbase, he assisted a fellow pilot in destroying a ME-109 and then expended the last of his ammunition in shooting down an enemy fighter which was damaged and being pursued by two P-51's. The fearless initiative, zealous fighting spirit, and exceptional bravery evinced by Lieutenant Rigby in attacking such a vastly superior force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces.