Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry), [then Colonel] William R. Pope, United States Army, is cited for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Lieutenant Colonel Pope distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Commanding Officer, 113th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action north of Samogneux, France, 24 October 1918. After the attack on Etraye Ridge, liaison with the advance battalion having been broken by the intense bombardment, Colonel Pope voluntarily proceeded to a position of great danger under heavy shell fire, and took command personally, until communication was reestablished.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Cavalry)

    Regiment:

    113th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    29th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I
    War Department, General Orders No. 4 (1923)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Cavalry) William R. Pope, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. Having taken Command of the 113th Infantry, 29th Division, shortly before the beginning of the Meuse-Argonne offensive, Colonel Pope held it with signal ability throughout the period of its engagement in that operation. By his energy and resourcefulness in overcoming the numerous adverse conditions which confronted his regiment, he proved an inspiration to his men and an important factor in the successes of his Division. As Provost Marshal General of the Embarkation Center at Le Mans, France, from December 1918 until June 1919, he displayed tact, marked efficiency, and executive and administrative ability of the highest order, thereby rendering highly conspicuous services in a position of great responsibility.