Joseph H. Payne Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

FIRST SERGEANT JOSEPH H. PAYNE,
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, during action against Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 3 January 1944. Exposing himself to heavy machine-gun and mortar fire from the enemy’s well-concealed position, First Sergeant Payne, although wounded in the hand, continued to carry ammunition to critical areas of the firing lines and, despite another serious wound sustained during this action, seized his weapon and killed at least two of the Japanese before being evacuated. His aggressive spirit and unselfish devotion to duty were contributing factors in the repulse of the enemy and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
/s/ James Forrestal

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Born: Wavery, Ky…. Home of record: Detroit, Mich.