Mitchell Paige Medal of Honor Citation

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

MITCHELL PAIGE

MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company H, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 26 October 1942. When the enemy broke through the line directly in front of his position, Platoon Sergeant Paige, commanding a machinegun section with fearless determination, continued to direct the fire of his gunners until all his men were either killed or wounded. Alone, against the deadly hail of Japanese shells, he fought with his gun and when it was destroyed, took over another, moving from gun to gun, never ceasing his withering fire against the advancing hordes until reinforcements finally arrived. Then, forming a new line, he dauntlessly and aggressively led a bayonet charge, driving the enemy back and preventing a breakthrough in our lines. His great personal valor and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Born: Aug. 31, 1919, Charleroi, Penn…. Saw service in China prior to World War II… One of only eight known Eagle Scouts to receive the Medal of Honor… Enlisted in 1936, earned battlefield commission from Platoon Sergeant to Second Lieutenant at Guadalcanal… Also fought at Cape Gloucester… Commanded 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, First Marine Division… Retired as Colonel in 1959… Departed: Nov. 15, 2003