Mitchell Paige

BSA's Oldest
Eagle Scout Recipient

Mitchell "Mitch" Paige (1918-2003) has the distinction of being the oldest recipient of the Eagle Scout Medal. Mitch was born on August 31, 1918 in the small town of Charleroi, Pennsylvania. He attended high school in Mifflin Township (now West Mifflin), Pennsylvania where is was active in Boy Scouts. Mitch completed the last of the requirements for Eagle Scout rank in 1936. Before his medal could be awarded, Mitch was off to Parris Island, South Carolina for boot camp because he had enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on September 1, 1936 (the day after his 18th birthday).

Pvt. Mitchell Paige was first stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He was part of the now famous 1st Marine Division that was reactivated on February 1, 1941 aboard the battleship the U.S.S. Texas.

The 1st Marine Division shipped out to the South Pacific during WW-II. Mitch was a Platoon Sergeant during the Battle of Guadalcanal that took place in the Solomon Islands. During the campaign, Mitch per- formed heroically for which he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor:

Medal of Honor 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. 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.

Battlefield Commission

On December 13, 1943, Mitch received a Battlefield Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. He ultimately served 28 years in the U.S.M.C. holding practically every rank and assignment in an Infantry Platoon from that of Private to Commanding Officer. Mitch retired from the U.S.M.C. on July 1, 1964 at the rank of Colonel. Thereafter he remained very active in veterans' programs, and for decades beyond his retirement, he was a popular guest and speaker for activities around the nation.

Post-War Interest

The interest in Mitch's life story begged for a book, a project Mitch at first was hesitant to undertake. Thanks to urging from well-known actor Lee Marvin, Mitch's close friend and fellow Marine, A Marine Named Mitch was published in 1975. Mitchell Paige had gained such notoriety that in 1998, the Hasbro Toy Company produced the Mitchell Paige GI Joe figure as part of its Classic GI Joe Collection.

Becoming an Eagle Scout

Near the end of his life, Mitch came into contact with FBI Special Agent Thomas A. Cottone, Jr. who was himself an Eagle Scout. Upon learning that Mitch had never received his Eagle Scout Medal, Agent Cottone set in motion events over a 5-year period for Mitch to belatedly receive his Eagle Scout Medal. On March 24, 2003, at age 84, Mitch finally received his Eagle Scout Medal at an Eagle Court of Honor held in Jacksonville, Florida for Eagle Scouts of the North Florida Council, BSA. Col. Mitchell Paige died 8 months later on November 15, 2003 at La Quinta, California.


Photo: Colonel Mitchell Paige, USMC (Ret) circa 2003 Photo: Pvt. Mitchell Paige, USMC Photo: 2nd Lt. Mitchell Paige, USMC receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor Photo: 2nd Lt. Mitchell Paige, USMC Photo: Colonel Mitchell Paige, USMC (Ret) circa 2003 Photo: Colonel Mitchell Paige, USMC (Ret) circa 2003 Photo: Colonel Mitchell Paige, USMC (Ret) circa 2003