Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] David H. Wiggs (ASN: 0-507427), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while Commanding Company E, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Belgium, on 17 January 1945. On that date, Captain Wiggs led his infantry company against enemy-held high ground near Longvilly, Belgium. The attacking men were silhouetted against the snow, exposed to intense artillery and machine-gun fire, but with Captain Wiggs in the lead they pushed forward, inspired by his fearless example. As they advanced over the crest of a hill an artillery burst knocked Captain Wiggs to the ground. Another burst wounded him severely but he did not falter. Rallying the men he led them on through a hail of fire to the objective and there he refused evacuation until the newly won position was consolidated. Captain Wiggs' extraordinary heroism, and his inspiring leadership and courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 100 (11 May 1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company E, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division "Tough 'Ombres", U.S. Army

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 Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] David H. Wiggs (ASN: 0-507427), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 6 February 1945. On that date, near Habscheid, Germany, fire from a concealed enemy anti-tank gun killed and wounded several men of Captain Wiggs' organization. With utter disregard for his own safety he advanced upon an enemy pill box from which it appeared the fire was emanating and subjected it to rocket fire. Discovering that the enemy gun was located a short distance from the pill box, he courageously charged the position armed only with a rifle, forced the surrender of a German officer and three enemy soldiers and enabled his company to continue the advance. Captain Wiggs' aggressive, heroic actions and supreme devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 137 (11 June 1945).
This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.