The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Martin Christopher Higgins (MCSN: 0-89589), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 June 1967, during a search and destroy mission in conjunction with Operation ARIZONA in Quang Nam Province, Captain Higgins’ left flank platoon came under intense small arms, machine gun and rocket fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. Displaying exceptional tactical knowledge and exemplary leadership, Captain Higgins, although exposed to the enemy fire, immediately deployed his reserve platoon in a flanking maneuver and skillfully directed the fire of two supporting armored amphibian tractors which inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy and forced them to break contact. He then aggressively employed artillery and air strikes in order to pursue the enemy by fire. After reorganizing his platoons and redistributing ammunition, he continued the attack. Subsequently, when his lead platoon came under heavy fire at close range from four automatic weapons, 82-mm. mortars and 82-mm. antitank rockets, Captain Higgins quickly assessing the situation, courageously led a platoon across and open rice paddy through intense enemy fire to relieve the pressure on his forward elements and to bring maximum fire power to bear on the enemy. After directing accurate machine gun fire, which silenced the enemy fire on his right flank, he unhesitatingly continued the attack, directing point blank 105-mm. fire from the armored amphibian vehicles which resulted in the destruction of at least one rocket position and one machine gun emplacement. He then skillfully deployed his men to positions where they could deliver a heavy volume of fire on the enemy and gain fire superiority. Completely disregarding the enemy machine gun, mortar and rocket fire around him, Captain Higgins steadfastly continued to direct his units’ fire until the enemy was forced to flee in panic and disorder. While pursuing the enemy, one amphibian tractor was severely damaged by two 82-mm. antitank rockets. Exhibiting calm presence of mind, Captain Higgins directed an intense volume of fire, which destroyed the rocket emplacement, and then supervised the movement of the disabled vehicle from the hostile area. His sound judgment and courageous actions were instrumental in reducing friendly casualties and accounting for at least forty enemy killed. By his bold initiative, exceptional professionalism and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Higgins inspired all who served with him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.