The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant Joseph H. Payne (MCSN: 293742), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain on 3 January 1944. Exposing himself to heavy machine gun and mortar fire from the enemy’s well concealed position, First Lieutenant Payne, although wounded in the hand, continued to carry ammunition to critical area of the firing line and despite another serious wound sustained during this action, seized his weapon and killed at least two of the Japanese before being evacuated. His aggressive spirit and unselfish devotion to duty were contributing factors in the repulse of the enemy and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.