No, he was killed on Guadalcanal. I don't remember the exact details of the action he was involved in, but I'm sure he died there and was awarded the medal posthumously.
I once had a book which listed all the WWII MOH recipients and gave a short description of what they did to recieve it. I wish now I had kept it.
Both Paige and Basilone are listed.:
SGT JOHN BASILONE
For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Lunga Area. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Basilone, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machineguns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. Basilone's sections, with its guncrews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Basilone, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
PLATOON SERGEANT MITCHELL PAIGE
For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on October 26, 1942. When t he enemy broke through the line directly in front of his position, Platoon Sergeant Paige, commanding a machine-gun 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 manned 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 break through in our lines. His great personal valor and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Basilone was in the 1st Batallion, 7th Marines, Paige in the 2nd.
It's usual, when that much s*** hits the fan, for more than one individual to demonstrate heroism. I'd be amazed if there weren't others who were as deserving of recognition who received none.
Here's a link to the USMC history and museum website---
http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/HD/Historical/MOH/World_War_II_1941-1945/Basilone_J.htm
Not only did Manila John have the Medal of Honor but he also got a Navy Cross.