The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Samuel C. Payne (ASN: RA-13355786), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action near Kumhwa, Korea. On 14 August 1952, Sergeant Payne was in command of a six-man reconnaissance patrol when the patrol made contact with an enemy force which greatly outnumbered them. In the initial phase of the fire-fight which ensued, Sergeant Payne and several members of his patrol were seriously wounded. Despite his wounds and the immediate danger of being overrun by the numerically superior enemy force, Sergeant Payne remained calm and quickly directed his patrol into a narrow ravine from which they could hold off the enemy until friendly artillery could be called in. The outstanding leadership and cool judgment displayed by Sergeant Payne in the face of almost overwhelming odds, inspired his men and enabled them to effectively resist the enemy force until friendly assistance was available. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Payne reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.