The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Colonel William Richard Higgins, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Senior United States Military Observer (SUSMO) to the United Nations (UN ) Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) (Palestine), United States Military Observer Group, Israeli-Lebanese Mixed Armistice Commission in Southern Lebanon from July 1967 to July 1990. As SUSMO, Colonel Higgins was responsible for ensuring that the members of the United States contingent to the UNTSO assisted the UN in the mission of observing and supervising the armistice agreements between Israel and its Arab neighbors. He performed observer and patrol duties along the Israeli and Lebanese border in an outstanding manner, accomplishing the highest degree of mission success. Additionally, Colonel Higgins reported all armistice violations and coordinated the UN interests with various Lebanese insurgent groups, both military authorities and government officials. On numerous occasions, he traveled unarmed into the dangerous and hostile terrorist environment of Southern Lebanon fully cognizant of the risks involved, but ever mindful of the importance of his duties. During such a peacekeeping mission, he was abducted by Shiite terrorists and held hostage until a finding of presumptive death was made. Colonel Higgins’ outstanding leadership, exceptional professional skill, and total devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
3d MarinesDivision:
3d Marine DivisionAction Date:
January 19, 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Second Lieutenant William Richard Higgins, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company C, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division. On 19 January 1968, Second Lieutenant HIGGINS led his platoon to relieve another platoon from Company C which was under enemy fire from three sides and was in danger of being overrun. Upon reaching the battle area, he aggressively led his platoon in an assault through a bunker complex along the right side of the enemy positions. Boldly advancing through enemy 60-mm. mortar fire, he moved his platoon forward into the enemy fortifications and repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire as he directed and encouraged his men in systematically destroying numerous positions within the bunker complex. In more than five hours of heavy fighting, his unit accounted for eleven enemy confirmed and eight probable killed and captured four enemy weapons. Second Lieutenant HIGGINS’ courageous actions, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk undoubtedly prevented the North Vietnamese from overrunning the beleaguered platoon and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Second Lieutenant HIGGINS is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
May 1985 – June 1987
Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant Colonel William Richard Higgins, United States Marine Corps, for exceptional; service as Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, from May 1985 to June 1987. Colonel Higgins was substantively involved on a daily basis with some of the most important and sensitive national security issues confronting the United States. His intelligence, dedication, attention to detail, untiring energy, and total commitment to excellence facilitated directly the efficient operation of the Immediate Office of the Secretary of Defense. His expertise as a staff officer and his broad operational background made him a valuable and trusted assistant. Colonel Higgins ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently was enhanced by his superb communicative skills, which created an environment of openness and teamwork within the Office of the Secretary of Defense. By every measure, his performance was superb. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Higgins reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel William Richard Higgins, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Higgins reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (Lebanon)Action Date:
February 17, 1988 – July 6, 1990
Colonel William Richard Higgins, United States Marine Corps, was abducted on 17 February 1988 while serving as the Chief, Observer Group Lebanon and Senior Military Observer, United Nations Military Observer Group, United Nations Truce Supervision Organization, in Lebanon. He was held as a hostage until his execution in captivity on or about 6 July 1990.