Thomas Payne (soldier)

For other people named Thomas Payne, see Thomas Payne (disambiguation).

Thomas Payne
Official portrait of SGM Payne in 2020.
Born (1984-04-02) April 2, 1984 (age 40)
South Carolina, U.S.
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branchUnited States Army
Years of service2002–present
RankSergeant Major
Unit1st Special Forces Operational Detachment – Delta (Delta Force)
1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment
Battles / warsWar in Afghanistan
Iraq War
Operation Inherent Resolve
AwardsMedal of Honor
Bronze Star Medal (4)
Purple Heart
Alma materNorwich University (BS)
Spouse(s)
Alison Payne
​
(m. 2011)​
Children3

Thomas Patrick Payne (born April 2, 1984) is a United States Army Delta Force sergeant major and infantry instructor,[1] who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during a hostage rescue mission in an area of northern Iraq controlled by the Islamic State. Payne is the first living Delta Force Medal of Honor recipient,[2] and the first to receive the Medal of Honor for actions during Operation Inherent Resolve.

  1. ^ "Sergeant Major Thomas P. Payne | Medal of Honor Recipient | U.S. Army".
  2. ^ "9/11 was the 'defining moment' for soldier who will receive the Medal of Honor tomorrow". September 11, 2020.