The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Alvin C. Pope (MCSN: 1161056), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 2 October 1952. While participating in the defense of an outpost forward of the main line of resistance during a savage attack by an enemy force estimated at battalion strength, Private Pope remained at a position behind a sandbag wall with four other Marines in the face of intense hostile artillery fire. Quick to act when an enemy grenade was suddenly thrown behind the concealed group, endangering the lives of all five men, he unhesitatingly retrieved the deadly missile and threw it back at the enemy, sustaining serious wounds when the grenade exploded immediately after leaving his hand. By his outstanding courage, initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of others, Private Pope served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.