The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard Alan Cope (ASN: 0-60990), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company K, 3d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Cope distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Kung-dong, Korea, on 6 October 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Cope’s company was engaged in an assault against a numerically superior hostile force that was fanatically defending a series of strategic hill positions. As two of the friendly platoons moved forward up the precipitous slope, they were subjected to a devastating volume of small-arms and automatic weapons fire from the well-fortified enemy positions. Many of the friendly troops fell from the heavy fire, and those who were not wounded moved about their precarious positions seeking what cover they could on the bare hillside. Lieutenant Cope, who had been holding his platoon in reserve, immediately led his men forward in order to save the friendly force from annihilation. Although the only route of approach open to him led directly into the enemy fire, Lieutenant Cope steadfastly advanced, shouting words of encouragement to his men and urging them onward. Charging up the hill in a frontal assault against the enemy emplacements, he was mortally wounded and with his last remaining strength directed his men in the attack until he succumbed. Inspired by his fearlessness, the friendly troops swept forward and overran the hostile positions. Through his courage and unshakable determination, Lieutenant Cope saved the friendly force from almost certain destruction and enabled them to seize their objective at great cost to the enemy. The extraordinary heroism displayed by First Lieutenant Cope on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.