The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] James E. Payne (ASN: 0-2262117), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. A company occupying defensive positions on Sobuk-san on 17 September 1950 near Haman, Korea, was attacked by a large hostile force which succeeded in penetrating the positions of the right flank platoon. When the ammunition supply was virtually exhausted, Lieutenant Payne organized and led a small detail through withering hostile fire to deliver ammunition to the company. Upon arriving thereat and learning that a platoon leader had become a casualty, he organized the scattered elements of the platoon into a cohesive force and led it in a counterattack which restored the defensive position . Lieutenant Payne’s conspicuous courage, exemplary leadership and notable military skill are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.