The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private William H. Payne (ASN: RA-18329822), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 24 May and during the early morning hours of 25 May 1953, elements of Company C were performing a security mission forward of the main line of resistance in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, when an enemy force attempted to cut-off elements of the security group. Private Payne, a rifleman, was acting as the point man for one element of the group and was the first man to detect the presence of the enemy. Quickly grasping the situation and realizing the imminent danger to the security group, he unhesitatingly and without regard for his own personal safety rushed to a position on the right flank of the enemy and commenced firing into the attacking enemy force with deadly accuracy, killing and wounding several. Seeing that the enemy attack was completely halted, he rejoined his squad. Discovering that his squad leader had been wounded, he assumed command of the squad and directed the fire into the enemy force, inflicting heavy losses with the result that the attack was repulsed. As a result of his actions, the attempt by the enemy to cut-off the security element failed. He then set up a perimeter defense and directed the evacuation of the wounded of his squad with undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. Private Payne’s outstanding gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty under conditions of grave danger reflect marked credit upon himself and the United States Army.