On the occasion of the 19-year anniversary of the terror attack on 9/11, President Trump honored an American hero today who saved 75 hostages from ISIS.
In the East Room of the White House, President Trump presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to U.S. Army Sgt. Major Thomas “Patrick” Payne for his heroism in saving 75 hostages during a raid that also killed 20 ISIS terrorists. Payne is the first living member of the Delta Force to receive the Medal of Honor.
The daring raid took place in 2015 at a prison in northern Iraq.
“My team was responsible for one of the buildings that the hostages were being held in, What was significant is that there were freshly dug graves, if we didn’t act this target then the hostages will probably be executed.”
As soon as Payne’s team hit the ground in the Kirkuk Province, they came under heavy enemy fire. Master Sgt. Josh Wheeler, another Delta Force operator, was killed after exposing himself to enemy fire. Wheeler’s widow, Ashley, attended the ceremony Friday.
After Payne and his team cleared one building – and freed 38 hostages – the sergeant responded to call for assistance in clearing another building.
Working with Kurdish forces, Payne’s team pressed on and helped secure one of the largest hostage rescues in history.
“He ran right back into that raging blaze. He sliced the final lock and released the rest of the hostages. As the building began to collapse, he received orders to evacuate but he refused to do so. He didn’t want to leave anyone behind. Pat ran back into the burning building that was collapsing. Two more times. He saved multiple hostages and he was the last man to leave.”
Trump hailed Payne’s heroic selfless action that led to 20 ISIS terrorists killed and saving the lives of the 75 captives.”Today he joins the immortal company of our most revered American heroes,” Trump said in the White House ceremony. “Pat, you personify the motto: ‘Rangers lead the way.'”
As soon as Payne’s team hit the ground in the Kirkuk Province, they came under heavy enemy fire. Master Sgt. Josh Wheeler, another Delta Force operator, was killed after exposing himself to enemy fire. Wheeler’s widow, Ashley, attended the ceremony Friday.
After Payne and his team cleared one building – and freed 38 hostages – the sergeant responded to call for assistance in clearing another building.
Working with Kurdish forces, Payne’s team pressed on and helped secure one of the largest hostage rescues in history.
Part of the 9/11 generation inspired to serve his country, Payne graduated high school in South Carolina and enlisted in the Army in 2002 as an Infantryman 11B and completed the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Ga., according to the Army. He completed his Army Ranger program in 2003.
In 2012, Payne stood out in a grueling physical contest among the nation’s most elite soldiers. He and his teammate won the Best Ranger Competition at Fort Benning.
In all, Payne has deployed 17 times for Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn and Operation Inherent Resolve.
Payne was joined at the ceremony by his wife and son.
“I want you to know that your dad is one of the bravest men anywhere in the world,” Trump told the 6-year-old.
