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 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major Harry E. Higgins (AFSN: FV-2211553), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 28 April 1967. On that date, Major Higgins led a flight of fighter bombers to a heavily defended target, where he accurately delivered his ordnance. On egress, Major Higgins observed a flight of four MiG aircraft attacking a friendly flight inbound; he turned back into the heavily defended target area and succeeded in forcing the MiG aircraft to discontinue their attack. Twice more he courageously attacked the highly maneuverable MiGs, succeeding in downing one aircraft while selflessly protecting his fellow airmen. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Higgins has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.