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.