The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Private First Class] Samuel S. Payne (ASN: 35743835), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 23 December 1944, near ****, Belgium. A strong enemy tank and infantry counterattack against the company defending a vital crossroads resulted in the killing or wounding of most of the platoon on the right flank. In this bitter fighting, Technical Sergeant Payne distinguished himself by running from point to point along the defenses and firing his rifle as fast as he could load. His aggressiveness, courage and skill enabled his platoon to repulse the initial attack until the depleted right flank platoon could be strengthened from other sectors of the defense. His conduct reflects the highest traditions of the United States Airborne Forces.