The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain (Chaplain) Hiro Higuchi (ASN: 0-527027), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, 442d Regimental Combat Team, from 26 June 1944 to 2 May 1945 in Italy and France. From the initial day of combat for his unit in Italy on 26 June 1944, through the intense campaigns in France and to the cessation of hostilities on 2 May 1945 in the Po Valley, Italy, Chaplain Higuchi actively contributed in the success of his unit’s operations and in maintaining a high level of morale and esprit de corps among the men of his unit. Throughout these campaigns Chaplain Higuchi consistently administered first aid to the wounded, directed and personally evacuated the wounded under fire as well as consoled and comforted them both in the field of battle and in aid stations. His voluntary work in retrieving bodies of men killed in action greatly eased the pressure on the GRO and facilitated rapid burial and identification. In his devotion to duty, Chaplain Higuchi regularly conducted religious services in rest areas and under adverse battle conditions, often reaching distant outposts by walking as far as 6 miles over tortuous mountain trails. His outstanding service and high devotion to duty reflect high credit upon himself and the Chaplains’ Corps of the United States Army.