The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a gold star in lieu of the second BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

for service as set forth in the following

       CITATION:

             "For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the republic of Vietnam while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine  Aircraft Wing.  On  28 February  1969,  First Lieutenant  Payne was  the  Officer  in  Charge  of  an  aircraft  recovery  team  which  was inserted into a hostile zone north of An Hoa in Quang Nam Province to salvage a  crashed CH-46 transport helicopter.  Fully aware that ground units in the area had been in  heavy contact with  the enemy for  several days, he  disregarded his own  safety  as  he  assessed  the  situation and commenced to direct the removal of component parts from the disabled helicopter.  Working sufficiently and quickly, despite repeated bursts of enemy  small  arms  fire,  First  Lieutenant  Payne continued  his efforts until  the  aircraft  was completely  dismantled  and  the  airframe  was prepared for extraction.  During hoist operations, he directed the fire of his team against hostile positions  and was  instrumental  in silencing an enemy machine gun  which was  firing  at the  recovery helicopter.  As  a result of his superb planning and supervision,  the valuable  aircraft and all its component parts were lifted out of the hazardous area and moved to  a secure  zone within  a minimum amount  of time.  First Lieutenant Payne's  initiative,  outstanding  professional  skill  and  unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping  with the highest traditions of he Marine Corps and  of the United States Naval Service."

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized,