26 October

PSG MITCHELL PAIGE
2^nd Bn, 7^th Marines, 1^st Marine Div.
Solomon Islands
26 Oct 1942

PSG Paige was leading a platoon of Marines 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.

Paige continued to direct the fire of his gunners until all his men were either killed or wounded.

Alone and facing a ferocious enemy, he took the place of a fallen gunner and continued to put deadly fire on the advancing enemy.

When his weapon was destroyed, Paige moved to the next unmanned gun and continued the fight, moving from gun placement to gun placement, never ceasing his fire against the advancing hordes until reinforcements finally arrived.

Paige then formed a new line with the surviving Marines and gave the order to “FIX BAYONETS”, then led a bayonet charge at the enemy effectively plugging the hole and driving the enemy back.