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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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World War II - U.S. Marine Corps

Mitchell Paige

Details
  • Rank: Platoon Sergeant (Highest Rank: Colonel)
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    Company H, 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment,
    1st Marine Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: October 26, 1942
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Citation

For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with a company of marines 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, P/Sgt. Paige, commanding a machine-gun 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.

USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Pennsylvania
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: May 21, 1943

    Balcombe, Australia, presented by Major Gen. Alexander A. Vandegrift, Commanding Gen. 1st Marine Division

  • Born: August 31, 1918, Charleroi, Washington County, PA, United States
  • Died: November 15, 2003, Palm Desert, CA, United States
  • Buried: Riverside National Cemetery (MH) (20A-533), Riverside, CA, United States
  • Location of Medal: Mitchell Paige Hall, Eldred WWII Museum, Eldred, PA
 
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