Eugene J. Pope

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Eugene J. Pope (0-24778), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Observation Squadron in Korea, on 11 August 1950. Captain Pope, as Pilot of a helicopter, attempted the rescue of a Marine carrier-based pilot who had been shot down in the Kesong area. He proceeded immediately to the area in which the pilot was reported down and although this area was behind the enemy lines, Captain Pope landed his helicopter near the wreckage of the fighter plane and went to the assistance of its pilot, whom he found dead. He placed the body of the pilot in the helicopter and returned it to a rear area. Captain Pope’s heroic action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.