The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant David Henshaw Pope (NSN: 0-82732), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while participating in an aerial flight as Pilot of a plane of Escort Fighting Squadron TWENTY-SIX (VF-26), attached to the U.S.S. SANGAMON (CVE-26), during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco from 8 November to 11 November 1942. Lieutenant Pope distinguished himself by a meritorious display of superb airmanship on the afternoon of 10 November 1942, when as Commander of a Division of Fighter Aircraft, he participated in an attack which resulted in a complete rout of hostile tanks. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, he pressed home devastating bombing and strafing attacks from low altitudes, contributing materially to the success of the mission. Throughout hostilities, Lieutenant Pope conducted himself in a manner deserving great credit and showed initiative and sound leadership as a Division Leader. The repeated demonstrations of leadership, aggressiveness and airmanship described were of the highest order and highest credit reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.