The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William L. Higgin (ASN: 35914536), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 339th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division over the period 14 May to 26 May 1944 in Italy. As radio operator at a battalion command post, Private First Class Higgin accompanied his battalion commander throughout a period of continuous and violent action. Many times they came under heavy machine gun and mortar fire and at times, when radio communication was interrupted by terrain features, he exposed himself to further enemy action in moving to higher ground so that communication would be maintained. His devotion to duty and determination to carry out his assignments at the risk of his life were of material aid to his battalion and reflect the highest traditions of the military service.