South Carolina native receives Medal of Honor from President Trump

South Carolina native receives Medal of Honor from President Trump
Sgt. Maj. Payne in Northern Afghanistan in 2014. Payne and his unit had been ambushed on this same hill the day prior. (Source: Sgt. Maj. Thomas P. Payne)
By WIS News 10 Staff | September 5, 2020 at 1:21 AM EDT - Updated September 11 at 5:01 PM

WASHINGTON DC (WIS) - A U.S. Army Sergeant who grew up in the Midlands has received the Medal of Honor from President Donald Trump.

Sergeant Major Thomas Payne received the honor on September 11.

Payne led an assault team into a building in Iraq and freed 38 hostages. Shortly after doing so, Payne made his way to a second building, battled enemy fighters, and freed an additional 37 hostages.

He also helped facilitate the evacuation with the hostages from the building.

Payne grew up in Batesburg-Leesville and Lugoff, according to the White House’s announcement.

He is stationed at Fort Bragg, where he lives with his wife and three children.

To read more about Payne’s military career and achievements, click or tap here.

Sgt. Maj. Payne with his wife, Alison, shortly after her return from serving at St. Joseph's Hospital in Long Island, NY, where she helped care for patients during the COVID-19 outbreak between April and May 2020.
Sgt. Maj. Payne with his wife, Alison, shortly after her return from serving at St. Joseph's Hospital in Long Island, NY, where she helped care for patients during the COVID-19 outbreak between April and May 2020. (Source: Sgt. Maj. Thomas P. Payne)

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