John Higgins ( admiral ) John Martin Higgins ( August 15 , 1899 – December 7 , 1973 ) was a Rear Admiral ( Upper Half ) in the United States Navy . Biography . Higgins was born in Madison , Wisconsin , in 1899 . Graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1922 , he served prior to World War II in battleships , destroyers and other surface ships , as well as on periodic shore duty . In 1941 - 42 , he commanded the destroyer . Promoted to captain in mid - 1942 , during the rest of World War II he led several destroyer units in combat in the Central Solomons , off Iwo Jima and Okinawa and during raids on Japan . As Commander of Destroyer Division 23 , Higgins was aboard " Gwin " when she was torpedoed at the Battle of Kolombangara on 13 July 1943 . Two officers and 59 men were killed and " Gwin " was later scuttled . For his " " aggressive and brilliant leadership " " during this battle , as well as his " " extraordinary heroism and distinguished service " " during the preceding New Georgia Campaign , Higgins was awarded the Navy Cross . Following the Japanese surrender , Higgins held important staff positions and was commanding officer of the battleship ( March 1947 – January 1948 ) . After promotion to the rank of rear admiral , he commanded Cruiser Division 5 , and was also commander of the Southern and Eastern Support Groups in operations against enemy forces in the Korean War from 25 June to 27 December 1950 . For his " " exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service " " Higgins was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal . In 1951 - 52 he led the Pacific Fleet Mine Force . Higgins held several shore billets during the remainder of his service , including commandant of two naval districts , and Chief of the Military Advisory Group , Japan , in 1957 - 59 . He retired from active duty in September 1961 . Rear Admiral John M . Higgins died on 7 December 1973 . Citations . His Navy Cross citation reads : His Navy Distinguished Service Medal citation reads : His Silver Star citation reads : " The President of the United States of America , authorized by Act of Congress July 9 , 1918 , takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star ( Army Award ) to Rear Admiral John Martin Higgins ( NSN : 0 - 57597 ) , United States Navy , for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander , Cruiser Division FIVE , Joint Task Force SEVEN , United Nations Command , in action in the Inchon - Seoul operation during the period 15 September to 21 September 1950 . His actions contributed materially to the success of this operation and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service . " His first Legion of Merit citation reads : " The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat " V " to Commodore John Martin Higgins ( NSN : 0 - 57597 ) , United States Navy , for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Screen Commander operating with a fast carrier Task Force in Western Pacific waters from 1 July 1945 to the close of hostilities against the Japanese Empire on 15 August 1945 . During this period he participated in strikes against Kyushu , Shikoku , Honshu , and Hokkaido . With unremitting effort and determination he achieved a high standard of combat readiness and fighting efficiency throughout the task unit under his command . By his initiative , perseverance and ability he contributed materially to the success of those major operations against the enemy . His outstanding service and performance of duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service . ( Commodore Higgins is authorized to wear the Combat " V " . ) " His second Legion of Merit citation reads : " The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat " V " to Commodore John Martin Higgins ( NSN : 0 - 57597 ) , United States Navy , for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Screen Commander of a Fast Carrier Task Group in operations against the enemy during the period from 26 January 1945 to 18 April 1945 . In command of an important unit of our forces in operations against the enemy ' s shore installations , air power , and forces afloat , his inspiring leadership maintained the fighting efficiency of the ships under his command at a high peak , and made possible an outstanding record of destruction wreaked upon the enemy on land , at sea , and in the air . His cool and resourceful exercise of command in battle , when ships of the Task Group were subjected to intense and determined enemy air attack , were of invaluable assistance to the Task Group Commander in repelling these attacks , and in thus maintaining the offensive power of our ships and aircraft . His courageous , inspiring leadership was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service . ( Commodore Higgins is authorized to wear the Combat " V " . ) "