The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Masayuki Higa (ASN: 30104248), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Battery, 522d Field Artillery Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, in action against the enemy on 29 August 1944, in the vicinity of Firenze, Italy. When the building which the forward observation party of which he was a member received a direct hit, causing the roof to cave in and burying the forward observer, Private Higa, with complete disregard for his own safety, ran to the aid of the officer and extricated him from the pile of debris. He then administered first aid and later helped evacuate him to an aid station. Private Higa’s prompt and gallant action was directly responsible for saving the life of this officer. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.