The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Ham P. Higdon (ASN: 34508511), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 150th Engineer Combat Battalion, 1135th Engineer Combat Group, in action against an armed enemy on 7 February 1945, in Luxembourg. Technician Fourth Grade Higdon was in charge of an assault boat during the initial assault crossing of the Our River at Hasdorf, Luxembourg. For two days and two nights the site was under intense, observed enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire. After several successful trips across the river, his boat was hit and sunk by enemy fire wounding one of his crew. Technician Fourth Grade Higdon immediately swam to the aid of the wounded man and carried him to shore for medical aid. Technician Fourth Grade Higdon then returned to the assault site and with a new crew continued the operations. Such leadership, courage and devotion to duty and to his men as displayed by Technician Fourth Grade Higdon reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.