World War II Honoree

John Martin Higgins

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Madison, Wisconsin

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

He commanded the destroyer Gwin and was aboard when she was torpedoed at the Battle of Kolombangara. For his distinguished service, he was awarded the Navy Cross. Later he led several destroyers units in combat in the Central Solomon Islands, off Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and during raids on Japan.