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Charles Thomas Payne
Charles Payne.jpg
Charles Payne greets his great-niece by marriage Michelle Obama (off frame) and his great nephew Barack Obama in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, on the 65th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. (Payne's wife, Melanie Payne, is also off-frame.)
Born February 20, 1925
Peru, Kansas, USA
Died August 1, 2014(2014-08-01) (aged 89)
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service 1943–1945
Rank Private
Unit 89th Infantry Division
Battles/wars World War II
Spouse(s) Melanie Payne
Relations Madelyn Lee Payne (sister)
Stanley A. Dunham (brother-in-law)
Stanley Ann Dunham (niece)
Barack Obama (grandnephew)
Michelle Obama (grandniece-in-law)
Other work University of Chicago Library

Charles Thomas Payne (born February 20, 1925 – died August 1, 2014) was an American soldier. He served in the United States Army during World War II. Charles Payne was also the great-uncle of former U.S. President Barack Obama.

Who Was Charles Payne?

Charles Thomas Payne was born in Peru, Kansas, USA. He grew up in Kansas before joining the military. He passed away in Chicago, Illinois, when he was 89 years old.

Serving in World War II

Charles Payne joined the United States Army in 1943. He was a Private in the 89th Infantry Division. This division played an important role in World War II.

During the war, his unit helped free many people. These people had been held unfairly in a place called Ohrdruf. It was a sub-camp of the Buchenwald concentration camp. Charles Payne's actions helped many people find freedom.

A Special Family Connection

Charles Payne is known for his family connection to a famous person. He was the great-uncle of Barack Obama. Barack Obama later became the 44th President of the United States. This means Charles Payne was the brother of Obama's grandmother, Madelyn Lee Payne.

Life After the War

After his military service ended in 1945, Charles Payne returned home. He later worked at the University of Chicago Library. He lived a long life, passing away in 2014.

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