Medal of Honor - 1942

2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division

Solomon Islands


Born: 31 August 1918, Charleroi, Pa.
Entered service at: Pennsylvania



The President of the United States,
in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting
the MEDAL OF HONOR to:

PLATOON SERGEANT MITCHELL PAIGE
UNITED STATES 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 the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on October 26, 1942. When t he enemy broke through the line directly in front of his position, Platoon Sergeant 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 manned 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 break through in our lines. His great personal valor and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

/S/FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT



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