The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Thomas H. Higgins (ASN: 13054417), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on the morning of 10 July 1943. Corporal Higgins and about 40 members of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, advancing ahead of an infantry battalion to which they were attached, attacked a hill about five miles South of ****. This hill was defended by a company of Germans, but despite heavy opposition the hill was taken. Before it could be fully reorganized, the Germans counter-attacked with the support of four **** tanks. During this action an enemy tank stopped within fifteen yards of Corporal Higgins’ position and began to fire its cannon at the slit trenches and gun emplacements on the hill. Corporal Higgins exposed himself to the fire of the tank, and threw a grenade at the tank. It burst just under the cannon and the explosion caused the gun to cease firing, and the tank withdrew from the hill. After two tanks were knocked out and others damaged, the enemy withdrew. Corporal Higgins and other members of his party used only small arms and one anti-tank grenade launcher against tanks, cannon, and machine guns. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.