The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant [then Sergeant First Class] William E. Pope (ASN: RA-34025341), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, (then Company L, 9th Infantry Regiment), 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 and 18 August 1950 in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea. On those dates, the 3d Battalion was attacking enemy positions on Hill 201, a key terrain feature. Assuming command of the 2d Platoon after the Platoon Leader had been wounded and evacuated, he organized the remnants of the platoon into a fighting force and brought them back into the company perimeter from where they were cut off. He then deployed them in such a manner that they were successful in crushing and withstanding five separate enemy attacks. Although painfully wounded during the initial attack, he, with complete disregard for personal safety, encouraged his men as they killed and wounded many enemy troops and repulsed several attacks. During the fifth and last fanatical attack by the enemy, Sergeant Pope was severely wounded and forced to be evacuated. The initiative and tactical skill of Sergeant Pope was responsible for the successful defense of the area and the inflicting of many casualties upon the enemy. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Pope reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.