A Vietnam War Story 60 Years in the Making
Wings of Valor: The Vietnam War Story Behind Our Firm
On May 1, 1966, a 30-year-old Air Force captain climbed into a shot-up F-100 Super Sabre knowing he would not come back alive. The monsoon ceiling was barely 50 feet. Enemy troops were overrunning a fire base near Tay Ninh Province, and hundreds of American soldiers were minutes from annihilation. He was one of only two pilots available to fly.
He chose to go.
That pilot was Col. Robert J. Graham, USAF (Ret.) — the founder of Riggs Asset Management and a man whose life has been defined by one principle: when the stakes are highest, you show up for the people counting on you. Flying at treetop altitude through monsoon rain, enemy fire, and even misdirected friendly artillery, then-Captain Graham made more than 15 low-level attack passes. He destroyed eight enemy gun positions, neutralized enemy combatants, and broke the back of the assault. Hundreds of American lives were saved that day because one man decided his single life was a fair trade for theirs. For his actions, Col. Graham was awarded the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest military honor. He went on to fly more than 500 combat missions across four tours in Vietnam before retiring after 28 years of service.
Now, His Story Has Been Told on Film
WVIA, the PBS affiliate serving Northeastern Pennsylvania, has released a powerful short documentary titled Wings of Valor: The Vietnam War Pilot Who Saved Hundreds. The film brings Col. Graham’s story to life with a depth and gravity that words on a page cannot fully capture.
A Medal of Honor Under Consideration
In a development that has drawn national attention, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) introduced legislation to authorize the upgrade of Col. Graham’s Silver Star to the Medal of Honor — the nation’s highest military decoration. The legislation recognizes that his actions on May 1, 1966, constituted valor far above and beyond the call of duty. We are watching this process with great anticipation and profound gratitude.
The Same Commitment, a Different Mission
Col. Graham founded Riggs Asset Management on the same principle that carried him through combat: an unwavering commitment to the people who depend on you. In Vietnam, that meant flying into impossible odds. At Riggs, it means standing beside our clients through every market cycle, every transition, and every decision that shapes their financial future. Service is not just our history. It is our operating principle. Col. Graham’s memoir, One of the Few: A True Account of Courage and Stepping into the Fight, is available in hardback and Kindle on Amazon. We invite you to watch the WVIA documentary and share this remarkable story with those who value courage, service, and integrity.
With deep respect,
The Riggs Asset Management Team