Thomas Henry Louis Payne

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas Henry Louis Payne, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 9 April 1865, while serving with Company E, 37th Illinois Infantry, in action at Fort Blakely, Alabama. While acting Regimental Quartermaster, learning of an expected assault, First Lieutenant Payne requested assignment to a company that had no commissioned officers present; was so assigned, and was one of the first to lead his men into the enemy's works.

General Orders: Date of Issue: April 1, 1898

Action Date: April 9, 1865

Service: Army

Rank: First Lieutenant

Company: Company E

Division: 37th Illinois Infantry