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 John T. Higgins (ASN: 36705549), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with 113th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 July 1944, in France. Private Higgins was assigned to duty as a truck driver with a field artillery unit. During an action when the truck Private Higgins was driving was loaded with ammunition, the area in which he was parked was suddenly attacked by hostile aircraft, which began dropping anti-personnel bombs and also made strafing attacks. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Private Higgins left the covered shelter of his slit trench and despite flying shrapnel and two flat tires, raced his vehicle out of the area to the safety of a protective barnyard, thus saving valuable government property. The heroism and outstanding devotion to duty exhibited by Private Higgins reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.