PHOTOS FROM VIETNAM: Sgt. ronald payne

sgt. ronald payne emerges from a viet cong tunnel holding a suppressed revolver with which he was using to pursue guerrillas who fled ahead of him underground. the 21 year old, along with other members of the 196th light infantry brigade probed the tunnel in south vietnam on january 21, 1967. they uncovered detailed maps and plans of the enemies advancement. these infantrymen who explored the complex were known as “tunnel rats.” they were eventually called out of the tunnels when nauseating gas was pumped in.

sgt. payne went on to serve but was killed in action during an ambush november 7, 1967. he was POSTHUMOUSLY awarded the bronze star and purple heart.