(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Paul H. Payne (ASN: 0-372376), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force, in aerial operations in the Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Payne, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Paul H. Payne (ASN: 0-372376), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 25 October 1942. Captain Payne, as pilot of a heavy bombardment airplane, proceeded on a striking mission against an enemy surface task force in the vicinity of Ramos Island in the Solomon Group. The flight went out through weather, maintaining formation while the leader was on instruments. Reaching its objective, the flight encountered enemy airships and dropped twenty-three 500-pound bombs from a 12,000-foot altitude. They bombed and sank a large enemy warship while proceeding through heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, returning to base after dark in bad weather. All ships held formation in spite of the anti-aircraft fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Payne, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.