(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Lewis Higinbotham (ASN: 0-95972), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Higinbotham distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions against the enemy on 25 – 26 March 1969. Major Higinbotham was ordered to land in a combat area under fire to assume command to two intermingled companies. He organized a perimeter defense of the two companies. He low crawled around the open area to drag the KIA and more seriously wounded back into the two company perimeter. Being outside of the range of friendly artillery, he was supported by helicopter gunships and was also assisted by gunships laying smoke across the woodline from which most of the fire was emanating. He continued this recovery effort on multiple trips until he could confirm that all of the wounded had been recovered. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Higinbotham, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Lewis Higinbotham (ASN: 0-95972), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Platoon Leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, during a search and destroy mission near Dak To, Republic of Vietnam, on 8 June 1966. While maneuvering towards the objective, Captain Higinbotham’s platoon received intense hostile fire from a reinforced Viet Cong company. The initial burst of fire killed or wounded several friendly soldiers and pinned down the remainder of the platoon. Although his command post was continually receiving hostile fire, Captain Higinbotham repeatedly exposed himself while directing his unit. Captain Higinbotham, with complete disregard for his safety, dashed into open areas to call in artillery fire on the attacking Viet Cong force. Although his position was extremely vulnerable to the hostile fire, he fearlessly remained at his vantage point to observe and call in the incoming artillery rounds within 20 meters of his position. Despite the fact that he was wounded by exploding hand grenades, Captain Higinbotham refused to leave his position, encouraged his men, and directed suppressive artillery fire upon the belligerent insurgents. Through his courage and outstanding leadership throughout the four-hour battle he contributed immeasurably to the decisive victory over the determined Viet Cong force. Captain Higinbotham’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.