RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- A quiet chill settled over the Riverside National Cemetery. Six Marines gripped the polished metal rails of a casket. They moved in unison, carrying the flag-draped coffin for one final honor for a Marine hero.
Col. Mitchell Paige, recipient of the Medal of Honor, was laid to rest near the Medal of Honor Memorial here Sunday. Hundreds of mourners turned out to watch as an honor guard and honor platoon from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment based at Marine Corps Air-Ground Center Twentynine Palms, the 1st Marine Division Band and Lt. Gen. James T. Conway, commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force participated in the memorial ceremony paying tribute to the Marine legend.
Paige was a platoon sergeant with 2nd Bn., 7th Marine Regiment during the Battle of Guadalcanal when he led a platoon of 33 Marines to fend off a charge of Japanese soldiers.
With just 33 Marines, many of them dead or wounded, he held the line through most of the night, never giving ground. For that, he was given the Medal of Honor.
When he died Nov. 15, he was the last of the Medal of Honor recipients from Guadalcanal.
"His friendship has been sought by presidents, legislators, captains of industry and Hollywood celebrities, but his heart was then as it always was, with Marines" said Col. John R. Bates, in his eulogy for Paige.
"Three things he carried with him to his last days on earth," he added. "His complete trust in the Lord, his vice-grip handshake and a memory sharp as a 'just-honed' Ka-Bar."
The still, quiet air was broken as the wind picked up, snapping the flags as the Marine honor guard creased the first fold into the colors that draped Paige's casket. The cracking of the fabric echoed off the Medal of Honor Memorial.
The single lone bugler sounded out Taps for Paige as the flag was folded, eventually given to his widow, Marilyn Paige. Conway handed her the flag with a few soft-spoken words. The echo of Taps faded with the afternoon breeze.
A rumble was heard in the distance, like the sky ripping apart. A moment later two AV-8B Plus II Harriers, from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, tore through the sky over his casket. The jets were from Marine Attack Squadron 211, the very same unit that supported Paige during Guadalcanal.
"It was such an amazing tribute for such an amazing man," said Christie A. Terry, 24, one of Paige's granddaughters.
After the ceremony, Paige was carried to his gravesite, through the honor platoon of Marines. His family followed the casket, accompanied by the muted sound of the footsteps on the pavement as Marines stood stoic, saluting their fallen warrior.
"I was so touched by the Marines lining the road," Terry said. "It was like he was leading us through your respect for our grandfather."
"We can see Mitch now giving a platoon of angels the order to fall in; dress right dress; ready front; and eyes right, as he smiles and watches us here today," Bates said.