Sgt Ernest W. Payne of Charlotte, NC, served in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968. He served as a supply officer in the US Army, serving as a Staff Officer (or “S4”) of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division. He captured these photographs. Most of the pictures were taken at Payne’s military camps or at makeshift Army airfields used for supply drops. The majority of pictures do not have descriptions or locations written on the back.
During his time in Vietnam, Ernest Payne received several medals. In addition to the US Army Air Medal, he participated in more than 25 aerial missions in hostile territory supporting counterinsurgency operations from July 1967 to May 1968. He would receive the Bronze Star Medal on June 17, 1968, for his Vietnam service from July 1967 to July 1968.
