Beaufort’s Will Payne, 81, joined the United States Marine Corps in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1960. After boot camp and Infantry training in San Diego, he was assigned to Camp Pendleton, Calif. His next tour was at MCAS El Toro followed by assignment aboard USS Eldorado (AGC-11), first out of San Diego then homeported in Subic Bay, Philippines. The ship embarked the Commander Amphibious Forces Pacific Fleet and operated off Vietnam directing amphibious operations.
He then served at Camp Lejeune where his specialty was changed to Combat Intelligence before transferring to Da Nang, Vietnam. After that in-country tour, he served at MCAS Cherry Point before coming to Parris Island as a Drill Instructor for four years. His next assignment was in Okinawa from which he deployed to Korea.
His final duty station was MCAS Beaufort, where he was assigned to an F-4 Fighter Squadron, again deploying overseas. He retired in 1980 as a Gunnery Sergeant with 20 years in the Corps. He then joined the Civil Service, first at Naval Hospital Beaufort and then Parris Island for a 30-year career with the General Services Administration.
Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
