The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Richard B. Payne (NSN: 0-108321), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-EIGHT (VT-88), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in action on 18 July 1945, in the Pacific War Area. On that date, Lieutenant Payne led two strikes against a battleship located in enemy home waters. On both occasions he scored damaging bomb hits on the ship and in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire. His skillful use of evasive action in a large measure was responsible for the return of all planes. His courage and leadership were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.