Last Medal of Honor recipient from the Battle of Guadalcanal USMC Colonel Mitchell Paige has died

homeofheroes.com ^

[ErnBatavia]

I probably blew the format for starting a thread...and didn't see posted elsewhere.

A true hero has moved on. My 56 year old self just went outside, faced the sky, and offered the best salute I've snapped in 35 years.

Rest In Peace, Mitch....proud and honored to have had your aquaintance.

[El Gato]

The weapon did not fail.

Of course not, it was designed by John Moses Browning

More importantly Mitchell Paige did not fail.

[El Gato]

Paige is survived by his wife, Marilyn, six children, 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A guy can't ask for more than that, can he?

[skeeter]

It was all I could do to keep my attention on the road rather than turn right towards him as he was describing the carnage of that day.

I'da kidnapped him & bought him lunch.

I love talking to those WWII guys. Its hard for me to imagine an America without them, although that reality is just around the corner.

[Lion in Winter]

I believe his children are by his first wife who passed away. He married Marilyn in his later years. I know a cousin of his.

[Lion in Winter]

A Serbian-American hero has passed away.

[Badray]

RIP, Colonel Paige.

"Thank you" just isn't enough.

[The Grammarian]

We'll meet him later on. No doubt he and his fellow Guadacanal Marines (like my Uncle) will be doing sentry duty at the Pearly Gates.

I see I'm not the only one who thought of the Marine Hymn after reading his conversion story:

When the Army and the Navy come upon Heaven's scene/They'll see that the streets are guarded by United States Marines.

[Archangelsk]

You were right the first time, MOH.

[PhilDragoo]

[snippy_about_it]

Listen to The Marine's Hymn - Real Player

Official Version

From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country’s battles
In the air, on land, and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine.

Our flag’s unfurl’d to ev’ry breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in ev’ry clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job—
The United States Marines.

Here’s health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we’ve fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.

[Mr. Silverback]

OOH-RAH!

[ErnBatavia]

That was great...thanks for adding it here.

[Gritty]

*Grateful Salute*

Rest in Peace, Colonel Paige. Rest In Peace.

[tet68]

He and Chesty are havin' a ball.
Lou Diamond too.

Marines! Hand.....Salute!

[flutters]

RIP

[El Gato]

It really was the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, I was refering to.

[Lion in Winter]

Well, I think it was wonderful that he found a loving wife to be with him at the end of his life as well.

[El Gato]

Well, I think it was wonderful that he found a loving wife to be with him at the end of his life as well.

I had the same thought...right after I hit post. Although you have to admit, that may be MORE than can reasonably be asked for. If anyone deserved such a blessing, Col. Paige certainly did.

[tioga]

Father God, in your immense compassion and love embrace your servant, Colonel Mitch Paige, may he RIP. Let your peace surround his family and friends. Let them see with your Holy Light the wonder of the holidays as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus. I ask this in Jesus name. Amen.

[leadpencil1]

ping...especially post 48