MAJOR GENERAL LOUIS V. HIGHTOWER, for his extraordinary heroism while serving as a lieutenant colonel with the 1st Armored Division during World War II. On 14 February 1943, near Sidi Bou Zid, Tunisia, Lieutenant Colonel Hightower and his tank crew received word that seven enemy tanks were attacking a command post and artillery vehicles which were withdrawing to a new position. His was the only friendly tank in the vicinity but without hesitation, he moved it to protect the helpless unarmored vehicles, and engaged the enemy tanks unaided and alone. After destroying four of the enemy tanks and securing the withdrawal of the friendly column, his own tank received four heavy shots and was set afire. He evactuated the crew and brought them on foot to the friendly defensive position. But for the prompt and heroic action of Lieutenant Colonel Hightower and his tank crew, the command post and a battery of artillery would have been overrun by hostile tanks. His extraordinary heroism, self-sacrifice and devotion to duty is an inspiration to all, worthy of the finest traditions of the Armed Forces and deserving of the highest praise.

MG. Hightower joined the L.O.V. in 1971.