Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Company I, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army (Company I, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William J. Higgins, Jr., First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant], U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 3 February 1944 in Italy. An Infantry company supported by tanks launched an attack on the town of Cassino, in the face of concentrated shelling and machine gun fire. Approaching the outskirts of the town, the tank column was halted by a deep ditch across the road which formed an impassable barrier. Enemy guns in Cassino opened fire on the leading tanks. Determined to continue the attack, First Lieutenant Higgins, commanding the infantry company, made his way to the barrier to survey the situation. Ordering his men to take cover from the intense fire, he called for engineer assistance and then single- handedly undertook the task of carrying rocks to fill the ditch. Informed that engineers were not available, Lieutenant Higgins obtained the aid of three volunteers. Two of his assistants were wounded by gun fire. Securing two more men, Higgins and his small group feverishly worked to provide a crossing for the tanks. The leading tank opened fire on enemy gun positions, and the resulting muzzle blast stunned Higgins, but he quickly recovered his composure and continued his difficult task under increasingly intense enemy shelling. A few minutes later enemy artillery set fire to the first and fourth tanks in the column, but within 30 minutes Higgins had completed the crossing. As a result of the courageous determination and resourcefulness of First Lieutenant Higgins, the initial advance into the fortress town of Cassino was affected. Outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.


Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 176 (1944).