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TO EXTEND SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS TO SERGEANT MAJOR THOMAS P. PAYNE FOR BEING AWARDED THE MEDAL OF HONOR AND TO RECOGNIZE AND SALUTE HIS DISTINGUISHED AND DEDICATED MILITARY SERVICE TO OUR NATION.
Whereas, on September 11, 2020, Sergeant Major Thomas P. Payne received the Medal of Honor, the United States military's highest honor for valor in combat, from President Donald Trump; and
Whereas, a native of Batesburg-Leesville and Lugoff, Sergeant Major Payne's connection to his home state is a strong part of his personal identity. He is a graduate of numerous military schools and courses and an alumnus of Norwich University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in strategic studies and defense analysis; and
Whereas, a part of the 9/11 generation, Sergeant Major Payne enlisted in the Army in 2002 out of a sense of patriotism and duty to serve his country. He has served as an infantryman, with the 75th Ranger Regiment, and with the United States Army Special Operations Command; and
Whereas, during his career, Sergeant Major Payne has deployed seventeen times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Operation Inherent Resolve and to the United States Africa Command; and
Whereas, Sergeant Major Payne was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry during a daring 2015 Iraq hostage raid. He knowingly risked his own life and bravely endured intense enemy fire, smoke, heat, and flames. His extraordinary heroism and selfless actions were key to liberating seventy-five hostages; and
Whereas, over the years, Sergeant Major Payne has received many awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal with Bronze "V" device and three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Bronze "V" device, Army Commendation Medal with Bronze "V" device and one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Navy and Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Clasp and five Loops, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with five Bronze Stars, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral "3", Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badge and Parachutist Badge. He also won the 2012 Best Ranger Competition with his teammate; and
Whereas, Sergeant Major Payne is stationed at Fort Bragg, where he lives with his wife, Alison, and three children; and
Whereas, it is only fitting and proper to pay tribute to this son of South Carolina and to express the utmost, profound gratitude for his incredible acts of bravery and service to this great country. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, extend sincere congratulations to Sergeant Major Thomas P. Payne for being awarded the Medal of Honor and recognize and salute his distinguished and dedicated military service to our nation.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Sergeant Major Thomas P. Payne.
This web page was last updated on September 17, 2020 at 3:38 PM