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) Henry Chesley Payne (ASN: 0-1312215), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 June 1944, in France. First Lieutenant Payne volunteered to participate in a highly hazardous daylight reconnaissance patrol through enemy-held territory, knowing that he would be subjected to almost continuous enemy observation and fire. First Lieutenant Payne and his patrol consisting of two enlisted men, departed on their mission and had advanced into enemy-held territory only a short distance when they began receiving enemy machine gun fire. The patrol continued to move forward and, after crawling approximately three-fours of a mile, an enlisted member of the patrol was seriously wounded by hostile first. First Lieutenant Payne ordered the uninjured member of the patrol to withdraw with the wounded man. Without thought of his personal safety, First Lieutenant Payne covered the withdrawal of his men and, although alone and deep in enemy territory, continued on his mission, even engaging the enemy in hand-to-hand combat, and was himself wounded in this action. First Lieutenant Payne, through wounded, successfully returned to his own lines and reported valuable information on the enemy strength and disposition. The courage and complete willingness of First Lieutenant Payne to risk his life made possible the securing valuable information. His actions on this occasion were a priceless inspiration to his fellow officers and men. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant 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.