The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Walter Martin Higgins, Jr. (ASN: 0-21987), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, from 13 to 16 December 1944. During an attack on enemy positions in the Siegfried Line near F. Wehlerscheid, Germany, Colonel Higgins personally led his battalion in a series of daring maneuvers that culminated in the reduction of twenty-four pill boxes. When artillery support proved valueless because of terrain features, he led a patrol through a narrow gap in barbed wire defenses and personally directed operations to capture a key position in the chain of fortifications. From an exposed position he continued to direct the attack as his battalion poured through the gap and captured the remaining positions in bitter fighting. Lieutenant Colonel Higgins courageous leadership and heroic achievements exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.