George Higgins is now 96 and has lived a full and adventurous life. He was the coxswain in charge of D-Day landing craft in 1944. He refused to accept his medals in 1947 because he felt he didn’t deserve them. Higgins was just presented with the Legion d’Honneur at a church service in Hampshire. He toasted his award with rum by saying: “I’m no hero. We did what we had to do.” I disagree… he’s an absolute hero even though they did what they had to do. They were warriors and incredibly brave. He handled the landing on the beaches of Normandy with skill and a stiff spine, while taking on heavy fire from the enemy. It was one of the most deadly battles in history and he survived it.
From the Daily Mail:
A D-Day veteran who skilfully navigated a landing craft to the beaches of Normandy through heavy enemy fire has been awarded for his bravery 72 years on from the fateful day.
George Higgins, 96, refused to collect his medals in 1947 because he felt he ‘didn’t really deserve them’ after taking part in one of the most deadly conflicts in human history.
He was a coxswain in charge of a landing craft in the decisive Battle of Normandy which set the Allies on their way to victory in World War Two.
Because of Higgins and many others, we won WWII and the world was saved from fascism. His small ship was lucky to escape enemy shell fire as he made the treacherous journey ashore fighting high seas and driving rain. For his service, he has received France’s highest honor. He recounted, “It was so long ago. It was frightening – there was so much death and so many people were killed.” Upon receiving his medals he added: “I’m really pleased.” Higgins, who was with the Royal Marines in WWII, left the army in 1947 to return to his farming life and could have picked up the medals that year. Colonel Mike Tanner, who finally presented them to him, utterly refuted the idea that he was undeserving of the awards. The Captain of Portsmouth Naval Base told him: “Not only do I think you deserve these medals, but the nation thinks you deserve these medals.” Higgins, from Hambledon, Hampshire, was also awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Europe Star, the 1939-1945 medal and the Defence medal. The skill of the coxswains and skippers of the small ships played a major part in the success of the landings on June 6, 1944. We honor all those who served and are still serving. Bravery and sacrifice know no age and will never be forgotten.
