HR0302 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0302 LRB098 11917 GRL 45248 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives seek to honor all our veterans, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation; and

WHEREAS, On April 22, 1968, Major Robert Paul Riggins of the United States Air Force, 389th Tactical Fighter Squadron, was commanding a 2-aircraft flight from Da Nang Airbase, South Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, Major Riggins had successfully flown 98 combat missions over North Vietnam and was 2 missions away from completing his tour of duty; and

WHEREAS, Major Riggins, determined to accomplish his assigned mission, elected to fly despite poor weather conditions over the area of operations; and

WHEREAS, Flying that day with First Lieutenant William Chomyk of Hicksville, New York, Major Riggins' F-4D Phantom II (Tail Number 66-8778) was hit by enemy ground fire and was lost over Thua Thien Province near the city of Hue; and

WHEREAS, Major Riggins was a highly decorated military aviator, having seen combat in both Korea and Vietnam; he earned the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, and the Air Medal for his meritorious service; he was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Korea Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Award, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross - Unit Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and

WHEREAS, Major Riggins was a native of Champaign and was an alumnus of the University of Illinois at Champaign - Urbana; he earned his bachelor's degree from the College of Commerce and Business Administration in 1952 and his master's degree from the College of Engineering in 1964; and

WHEREAS, Major Riggins was survived by his wife, Betty Sue, and his daughters, Amy and Paula; and

WHEREAS, We commemorate the 45th anniversary of Major Riggins and First Lieutenant Chomyk's listing as Missing In Action, hold a solemn vigil for their return to American soil, and give the highest honor to their courage, duty, and sacrifice for their nation in armed aerial combat by engaging enemy forces; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with their families, friends, and a nation grateful for their sacrifice in its defense, mourn the loss of Major Robert Riggins and First Lieutenant William Chomyk; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Major Riggins as an expression of our remembrance of his steadfast devotion to the principles of duty, honor, and country.