Karl C. Payne

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Karl C. Payne, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Longuyon, France, September 16, 1918. Starting on a very important daylight bombing mission with five other planes, as observer, First Lieutenant Payne went on alone when the other five planes were forced to turn back. On crossing the German line, he was attacked by three enemy planes. Using his guns to keep the enemy at bay, he went on, reached his objective, and dropped his bombs on the railroad junction, cutting the line. On the way back four more planes joined in the attack, but, keeping them at bay with his guns, he reached the allied lines.