The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
PAIGE, MITCHELL
Rank and organization: Platoon Sergeant,
U.S. Marine Corps. Place and date: Solomon Islands, 26 October 1942. Entered
service at: Pennsylvania. Born: 31 August 1918, Charleroi, Pa.
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 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.
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