Thomas Higa

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Thomas Higa (30101597), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company E, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on 5 November 1943, in Italy. When the enemy concentrated a heavy barrage upon his platoon area, Private First Class Higa was seriously wounded in the back. Disregarding his wounds, Private First Class Higa carried two men 150 yards to a sheltered ledge. Private First Class Higa then went back through the heavy fire and helped carry a litter case to the aid station. When Private First Class Higa’s wounds were examined, they were determined to be serious enough to warrant immediate evacuation. The courage and devotion to duty displayed by Private First Class Higa while painfully wounded, reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.