Thomas Payne

Thomas Patrick Payne (born April 2, 1984) is a retired American soldier. For actions as a sergeant first class in the United States Army's elite Delta Force, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during a 2015 hostage rescue mission in an area of northern Iraq controlled by the Islamic State. Payne previously served in the 75th Ranger Regiment, and as an infantry instructor. He is the first living Delta Force Medal of Honor recipient, and the first to receive the award for actions during Operation Inherent Resolve.

Early life and education Payne was born on April 2, 1984, and grew up in Batesburg-Leesville and Lugoff, South Carolina, graduating from Lugoff-Elgin High School in 2002.

Payne has been deployed 17 times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Resolute Support, and to the United States Africa Command area of responsibility.

Personal life

Payne graduated from Norwich University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in strategic studies and defense analysis. As of June 2021, Payne is stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he lives with his wife and three children. His wife, Alison, is a nurse who worked at St. Joseph's Hospital in Long Island, where she helped care for patients during the COVID-19 outbreak between April and May 2020.

Awards and decorations Medal of Honor Nominee Army Sgt. Maj. Thomas “Patrick” Payne Payne has received: