Saburo Higa

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Saburo Higa (30104534), Private, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with Company F, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, on 3 November 1944, near Biffontaine, France. While engaged in an attack, Company F was pinned down by concentrated mortar and artillery fire which inflicted numerous casualties. Private Higa, volunteering to act as litter bearer and aid man, unhesitatingly left his covered position to render first aid to the wounded soldiers. Despite artillery fire, which fell dangerously close to him, he moved fearlessly toward one of the seriously wounded men. Quickly administering first aid, Private Higa then carried him to shelter. He again returned to the area and, while dashing to the assistance of another comrade, he was seriously wounded. Disregarding his painful injury, Private Higa continued to render first aid and to evacuate the wounded until he collapsed as a result of fatigue and pain. His courageous actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Army of the United States.