Sergeant First Class Thomas P. Payne is a highly decorated United States Army Special Forces soldier who was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States, for his extraordinary actions during a daring hostage rescue mission in Iraq. Payne was born on August 24, 1984, in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.

On October 22, 2015, Payne served as an assistant team leader during Operation Inherent Resolve, a U.S.-led military campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). As part of a joint U.S. and Kurdish Special Forces team, Payne led a rescue operation to free hostages held by ISIS militants in Hawija, Iraq.

During the mission, the team received intelligence that a large number of hostages, including Iraqi security forces personnel, were about to be executed. Putting their own lives at great risk, Payne and his fellow team members swiftly moved toward the compound where the hostages were held.

Upon reaching the building, Payne and his team breached the main entrance under heavy enemy fire. Throughout the intense firefight, Payne exposed himself to enemy gunfire multiple times to provide medical aid to wounded hostages and coalition forces. Despite sustaining injuries during the initial assault, he continued to engage the enemy and personally cleared the building room by room, neutralizing enemy fighters.

Upon reaching a room where the hostages were being held, Payne encountered barricaded doors. Undeterred, he fearlessly engaged the enemy through the barricades, creating an entry point for the hostages to escape. Payne’s actions allowed more than 70 hostages to be freed, many of whom would have faced certain death if not for his heroic efforts.

For his extraordinary bravery, selflessness, and exceptional leadership, Sergeant First Class Thomas P. Payne was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Donald J. Trump in a White House ceremony on September 11, 2020. His unwavering determination, courage under fire, and commitment to the safety of others exemplify the highest standards of military service and reflect the values of the United States Armed Forces. Sergeant First Class Payne’s actions serve as an inspiration to his fellow soldiers and stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the American soldier.

Medal of Honor Citation

Sergeant First Class Thomas P. Payne distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, above and beyond the call of duty, on October 22, 2015, during a daring nighttime hostage rescue in Kirkuk Province, Iraq, in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Sergeant Payne led a combined assault team charged with clearing one of two buildings known to house the hostages. With speed, audacity, and courage, he led his team as they quickly cleared the assigned building, liberating 38 hostages. Upon hearing a request for additional assaulters to assist with clearing the other building, Sergeant Payne, on his own initiative, left his secured position, exposing himself to enemy fire as he bounded across the compound to the other building from which entrenched enemy forces were engaging his comrades. Sergeant Payne climbed a ladder to the building’s roof, which was partially engulfed in flames, and engaged enemy fighters below with grenades and small arms fire. He then moved back to ground level to engage the enemy forces through a breach hole in the west side of the building. Knowing time was running out for the hostages trapped inside the burning building, Sergeant Payne moved to the main entrance, where heavy enemy fire had thwarted previous attempts to enter. He knowingly risked his own life by bravely entering the building under intense enemy fire, enduring smoke, heat, and flames to identify the armored door imprisoning the hostages. Upon exiting, Sergeant Payne exchanged his rifle for bolt cutters, and again entered the building, ignoring the enemy rounds impacting the walls around him as he cut the locks on a complex locking mechanism. His courageous actions motivated the coalition assault team members to enter the breach and assist with cutting the locks. After exiting to catch his breath, he reentered the building to make the final lock cuts, freeing 37 hostages. Sergeant Payne then facilitated the evacuation of the hostages, even though ordered to evacuate the collapsing building himself, which was now structurally unsound due to the fire. Sergeant Payne then reentered the burning building one last time to ensure everyone had been evacuated. He consciously exposed himself to enemy automatic gunfire each time he entered the building. His extraordinary heroism and selfless actions were key to liberating 75 hostages during a contested rescue mission that resulted in 20 enemies killed in action. Sergeant First Class Payne’s gallantry under fire and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Special Operations Command, and the United States Army.