The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander John Martin Higgins (NSN: 0-57597), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Destroyer Division 23 during operations in the Kula Gulf Area off British Solomon Islands in the first part of July 1943. On the night of 4 – 5 July Commander Higgins, flying his Division pennant in the U.S.S. GWIN (DD-433), was in command of a Task Group of destroyers in close support of the landing of our Marines and Army forces at Rice Anchorage in Kula Gulf. Displaying splendid tactical skill, Commander Higgins directed a well-sustained and accurate fire from these covering destroyers against enemy shore batteries, and successfully supported the landing operation. Later, just before daylight, he conducted a sweep of the submarine infested waters of the Gulf and succeeded in rescuing several survivors, among them the Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. STRONG, which had been torpedoed. Throughout this entire operation Commander Higgins displayed excellent judgment and a high order of courage and tenacity of purpose. On the night of 12 – 13 July the U.S.S. GWIN joined Task Force for the night action off Kolombangara Island, British Solomon Islands, and was in large measure responsible for the complete destruction of four or possibly six enemy vessels. In the later stages of this night action the GWIN proceeded ahead of the cruisers to attack some Japanese destroyers then delivering a torpedo attack against our formation. In the course of this brief action the U.S.S. GWIN received a torpedo hit in her after engine room spaces which finally resulted in the sinking of the ship. When the GWIN was torpedoed, Commander Higgins was leading his ships into close action against the enemy and his calm courage and gallant determination were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 02043 (October 9, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commodore John Martin Higgins (NSN: 0-57597), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Screen Commander operating with a fast carrier Task Force in Western Pacific waters from 1 July 1945 to the close of hostilities against the Japanese Empire on 15 August 1945. During this period he participated in strikes against Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu, and Hokkaido. With unremitting effort and determination he achieved a high standard of combat readiness and fighting efficiency throughout the task unit under his command. By his initiative, perseverance and ability he contributed materially to the success of those major operations against the enemy. His outstanding service and performance of duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commodore Higgins is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Headquarters, VIII U.S. Army Korea, General Orders No. 49 (October 27, 1950)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Rear Admiral John Martin Higgins (NSN: 0-57597), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander, Cruiser Division FIVE, Joint Task Force SEVEN, United Nations Command, in action in the Inchon-Seoul operation during the period 15 September to 21 September 1950. His actions contributed materially to the success of this operation and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Cruiser Division FIVEAction Date:
June 25 – December 27, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral John Martin Higgins (NSN: 0-57597), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commander Cruiser Division FIVE, and commander Southern and Eastern Support Groups in operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Korean Area from 25 June to 27 December 1950. At the commencement of hostilities, Rear Admiral Higgins, as the only subordinate Flag Officer Afloat in this area, was solely responsible for effecting Naval coordination with friendly ground forces and, during the difficult early days of the conflict, continued to perform this vital function. In conjunction with personnel of the Korean Military Advisory Group, he initiated an extremely effective shore-controlled gunfire system which disrupted North Korean communications and operations of military personnel along the East Korean coast by destroying bridges, railroads and troop concentrations and caused almost total interdiction of movement along the coastal route. Rear Admiral Higgins also directed the sustained bombardment of strong enemy shore installations at Inch’on, Korea, which was completely effective and contributed a large measure of success to this difficult operation. His leadership, professional ability and devotion to duty throughout reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01105 (July 6, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commodore John Martin Higgins (NSN: 0-57597), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Screen Commander of a Fast Carrier Task Group in operations against the enemy during the period from 26 January 1945 to 18 April 1945. In command of an important unit of our forces in operations against the enemy’s shore installations, air power, and forces afloat, his inspiring leadership maintained the fighting efficiency of the ships under his command at a high peak, and made possible an outstanding record of destruction wreaked upon the enemy on land, at sea, and in the air. His cool and resourceful exercise of command in battle, when ships of the Task Group were subjected to intense and determined enemy air attack, were of invaluable assistance to the Task Group Commander in repelling these attacks, and in thus maintaining the offensive power of our ships and aircraft. His courageous, inspiring leadership was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commodore Higgins is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)