Mitchell “Mitch” Paige (1918-2003)

World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Platoon Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during the campaign for Guadalcanal when he earned the Medal of Honor. His citation reads "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." The Marine Corps' World War II Commandant, and a Medal of Honor recipient himself, General Alexander A. Vandegrift, presented the Medal of Honor to Paige at Melbourne, Australia, in the Spring of 1943. For being specially commended for performance of duty in actual combat he was promoted to Colonel upon retirement.

Bio by: Ugaalltheway