Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    April 23, 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Darnell M. Payne (MCSN: 2474947), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Assistant Machine Gunner with Company E, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 April 1969, as Private First Class Payne’s squad was deploying to reinforce another squad that was heavily engaged with a hostile unit, the Marines came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire from an enemy force occupying well-fortified bunkers and, in the initial moments of the fierce fire fight, the machine gunner was seriously wounded. Observing the incident, Private First Class Payne unhesitatingly raced across the fire-swept terrain to the man’s side and, although severely injured himself, seized his companion’s weapon and delivered devastating fire upon the hostile emplacements. Ignoring his painful wound, he continued his determined efforts to gain fire superiority until he succumbed to his injury. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Payne inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.