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. |
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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. |