AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Michael E. Rigney for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Rigney distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as the aircraft commander of a heliopter inserting United States Naval personnel into an area containing suspected enemy positions. When his helicopter came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire,he maneuvered from the area, circled around and again attempted to make the insertion. Although once more the target of intense fire and receiving several hits to his aircraft, he successfully inserted the troops. Ascending from the site, he realized that his aircraft was experiencing engine trouble and was forced to make an emergency landing in an area surrounded by enemy forces. He skillfully landed the aircraft in a small area in a river with no injury to his crew and immediately began supervising the evacuation of his crew to the nearby shore line. He then swam back to the aircraft to make a radio call for assistance. Through his outstanding airmanship and complete devotion to duty, he was highly instrumental in the success of the troop insertion and the safe recovery of his downed crew. His highly professional actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.