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 USS Gwin (DD-433). 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 USS Wisconsin (BB-64) (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.