Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Frederick Rounsville Payne, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5161), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-212), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, from 13 to 15 September 1942. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Major Payne contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    February 29 – September 29, 1952

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Frederick Rounsville Payne, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5161), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during operations against the enemy in Korea. Colonel Payne served as Executive Officer from 29 February 1952 to 20 March 1952 and as Commanding Officer from 21 March 1952 to 18 May 195 of a Marine Air Control Group. During the period 19 May 1952 to 29 September 1952 he served as FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing Liaison Officer with the FIFTH Air Force Headquarters. While serving as Commanding Officer, Colonel Payne discharged his many responsibilities with diligence and exceptional ability. He demonstrated an intense interest in the improvement of facilities and operations, and executed the most economical and effective utilization of available equipment and personnel. As Liaison Officer, Colonel Payne, by his outstanding professional ability and through comprehension of inter-service relationships rendered invaluable assistance in establishing improved procedures for the employment under the operational control of the FIFTH Air Force of combat elements of the FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing and in promoting complete understanding and unity of effort of the two commands in their operations against the enemy. He demonstrated a thorough grasp of the tactical situation at all times and his keen analysis of related operational problems distinguished him in his relationships with the Staff Sections with which he worked. Colonel Payne’s exceptional judgment and professional competence in the outstandingly superior performance of duties in positions of great responsibility were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Payne is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 212 (VMF-212)

    Regiment:

    Marine Air Group 23 (MAG-23)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    September & October, 1942

    SPOT AWARD: Serial 0750 (SofN Signed November 20, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major Frederick Rounsville Payne, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5161), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-212), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces over Guadalcanal, in the Solomons Islands Area during September and October 1942. Throughout that strenuous period when the island airfield was under constant bombardment and our precarious ground positions were menaced by the desperate counter thrusts of a fanatical foe, Major Payne repeatedly patrolled hostile territory and intercepted enemy bombing flights. With bold determination and courageous disregard of personal safety, he pressed home numerous attacks against heavily escorted waves of invading bombers and, in five vigorous fights against tremendous odds, shot down a total of six Japanese planes. His superb flying skill and dauntless initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.