Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    317th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    80th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 28, 1945

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 28 (June 16, 1949)

    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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Caswell M. Higgs (ASN: 0-1057101), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 2d Battalion, 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 28 March 1945. While leading his machine gun platoon during a night assault crossing of the Rhine River, he was wounded in the shoulder by enemy machine gun fire. Refusing medical aid, he ordered his assault boat to proceed to the enemy-held bank of the river where he personally led his men in capturing two enemy gun emplacements. Lieutenant Higgs then led his men farther into the enemy lines and secured a small beachhead, which allowed the succeeding assault troops to land with comparative safety. He was again wounded, mortally, while reorganizing his platoon. Lieutenant Higgs’ heroic actions were an inspiration to his men and reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.