The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Ellis McClain Pope (ASN: 34258765), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 19 March 1945. On that date, near Ludwigswinkel, Germany, Private Pope, as a rifleman with an Infantry Company, was a member of a platoon that was engaged in an advance on the enemy. Suddenly both his platoon and another were subjected to intense automatic and small arms fire from prepared and well concealed enemy fox holes and pillboxes manned by an estimated 200 Germans. The two platoons had advanced until they were virtually on top of the enemy positions and the close range and intensity of the hostile fire pinned the men to the ground where they were ready targets for the German snipers. Private Pope voluntarily moved forward to assault the enemy positions, exposing himself to concentrated machine gun fire. He destroyed one burp gun with a hand grenade and killed the gunner; then continuing his heroic advance, he killed a sniper with well aimed rifle shots. He continued to lay down a heavy base of fire, forcing one enemy machine gun to cease firing and so harassing the enemy that its overhead fire was lifted for a long enough time that his platoon was able to withdraw to safety under a nearby bridge. Later while seeking cover under the same bridge, he was mortally wounded when it was destroyed. His loyal and courageous efforts reflect the highest credit upon himself and exemplify the finest traditions of the United States Infantryman.