Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Marine Fighting Squadron 212 (VMF-212), Marine Aircraft Group 23 (MAG-23), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

November 20th, 1943

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-212), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces over Guadalcanal, in the Solomons Islands Area during September and October 1942. Throughout that strenuous period when the island airfield was under constant bombardment and our precarious ground positions were menaced by the desperate counter thrusts of a fanatical foe, Major Payne repeatedly patrolled hostile territory and intercepted enemy bombing flights. With bold determination and courageous disregard of personal safety, he pressed home numerous attacks against heavily escorted waves of invading bombers and, in five vigorous fights against tremendous odds, shot down a total of six Japanese planes. His superb flying skill and dauntless initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Marine Fighting Squadron 212 (VMF-212), Marine Aircraft Group 23 (MAG-23), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

Received for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

Marine Air Control Group 2 (MACG-2), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

Citation:
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in successive assignments as Executive and Commanding Officer of Marine Air Control Group TWO and as Liaison officer between the FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing and 5th Air Force Headquarters in Korea during the period from 29 February through 29 September 1952."

Awarded with "V" for valor.