WASHINGTON, D.C. – (September 4, 2020) – Below is a statement by National Medal of Honor Museum President & CEO Joe Daniels on the White House’s announcement that President Trump is set to award the Medal of Honor to Army Sergeant Major Thomas “Patrick” Payne:
“Sergeant Major Payne represents the best of America. He unhesitatingly put others ahead of himself in service to this great nation, and fellow mankind. We are pleased that President Trump announced Sergeant Major Payne will be awarded the Medal of Honor – our nation’s highest award for military valor – for his heroic actions in Iraq in 2015. Sergeant Major Payne risked his own life for the sake of others, rescuing dozens of hostages from imminent execution at an Islamic State group prison compound.
“Through his selflessness and bravery Sergeant Major Payne earned, in the words of President Lincoln, ‘the highest merit’ – an honor that fewer than 4,000 Americans have received in the history of our country. It is our mission to ensure their stories of unparalleled bravery and service, now including Sergeant Major Payne, will be preserved and inspire future generations to live lives bigger than themselves.”
