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) Richard M. Payne (ASN: 0-1328838), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 23 May 1951, in the vicinity of Kungol, Korea. On that day Lieutenant Payne led Company E in the attack on Hill 895. After the objective was secured, the company waited for Company F to move through them to their objective. While thus waiting, his company was subjected to heavy enemy machine gun fire, which pinned down the second and third platoons. Lieutenant Payne, without regard for his personal safety, moved to a point of great danger where he could observe the enemy and direct fire from his mortar section. During the firing from the enemy a carefully aimed shot went through his helmet, but ignoring this, he remained in his vulnerable position until the hostile machine gun was destroyed. The gallantry of Lieutenant Payne reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.