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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Hugh R. Higgins (ASN: 0-470045), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 343d Field Artillery Battalion, 90th Infantry Division in action on 6 December 1944, in the vicinity of Dillingen, Germany. During the Saar River operation, First Lieutenant Higgins crossed the torrent with the assault forces and established an observation post under heavy artillery and mortar shelling. He then moved, at risk of his life, from position to position through devastating machine gun and small arms fire and directed accurate artillery registrations upon the enemy. So effective were his fire concentrations that heavy casualties were inflicted upon the enemy, and the infantry was enabled to hold its position intact. His gallantry was in accordance with high military tradition.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    343d Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    90th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 11, 1945
    Headquarters, 90th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 330 (April 7, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Hugh R. Higgins (ASN: 0-470045), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 343d Field Artillery Battalion, 90th Infantry Division in action on 11 January 1945 in the vicinity of Concols, Luxembourg. During an attack on the town, First Lieutenant Higgins, at risk of his life, established an artillery observation post in a dangerously exposed but commanding position. Despite intense machine gun and small arms fire centered upon him, he remained at his post and directed accurate artillery concentrations in support of a pinned-down assault company which enabled the company to advance. Though wounded seriously during the fierce small arms fight, he continued to adjust effective registrations upon the enemy until the town was secured. His gallant act aided materially in capturing 650 enemy paratroopers and was in accordance with high military traditions.