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Few things are more inspiring in this life than the Medal of Honor citation for one Mitchell Paige. It's hard to think of a man that is possibly more qualified to run a machine gun section than Manila John Basilone, but if anyone was to give Gunnery Sergeant Basilone a run for their money, it'd be Mitchell Paige. Strangely enough, they fought together against the Japanese on Guadalcanal. What isn't strange is that Mitchell Paige was assigned to one of the best regiments in the Marine Corps, the Magnificent 7th Marine Regiment.Guadalcanal was one of the earliest and bloodiest fights for the United States Marines during their Pacific Campaign, and we're almost certain that a friendly rivalry between the two superstars of 7th Marines existed. Much like Manila John, Mitchell Paige was in charge of a machine gun section. And boy did he make the green grass grow on that island. Mitchell moved from gun to gun either directing his gunners or mowing down enemy fighters. He kept up his relentless defense until he was reinforced. Look, the guy is a one man wrecking machine and now he has more men at his disposal.
Upon gaining reinforcements Mitchell, like all great Marines, went on the attack, pushing the enemy forces back and even led a charge after screaming the words every Marine loves to hear
"Affix bayonets!"
That was all the enemy could handle on that October day in 1942. For his expert leadership, the wall of bodies he stacked and the bravery to lead a bayonet charge against a determined enemy, Mitchell Paige was awarded the Medal of Honor. Machine gunners sure put in a lot of work on that island. Probably why the grass and trees are so green and lush today. We all know what makes the green grass grow.
