The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Harry E. Payne (AFSN: FR-45799), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 27 January 1967. On that date, Major Payne was mission commander of a strike executed against a concentration of anti-aircraft gun positions in North Vietnam. Major Payne led his force directly to the target and delivered his ordnance with outstanding accuracy in the face of intense hostile fire and marginal weather conditions. His courageous attacks destroyed a major hostile defensive concentration and contributed materially to continued safe air operations in an area of high military importance. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Payne reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.