Medal of Honor Winner: Everett Parker Pope

From Human Events:

Medal of Honor: Everett Parker Pope


by Mike Piccione



06/01/2010





Last year Mr. Pope died on his 90th birthday. In WWII on a place called Suicide Ridge he fought through the night without rest to hold his ground. Today he rests in Arlington National Cemetery. Please take a moment to read the citation of a hero.







Rank: Captain

Organization: U.S. Marine Corps

Company: Company C

Division: 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division

Born: 16 July 1919, Milton, Mass.





Departed: Yes (07/16/2009)

Entered Service At: Massachusetts

Place / Date: Peleliu Island, Palau group, 19-20 September 1944







Citation:



For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as commanding officer of Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau group, on 19-20 September 1944. Subjected to pointblank cannon fire which caused heavy casualties and badly disorganized his company while assaulting a steep coral hill, Capt. Pope rallied his men and gallantly led them to the summit in the face of machinegun, mortar, and sniper fire. Forced by widespread hostile attack to deploy the remnants of his company thinly in order to hold the ground won, and with his machineguns out of order and insufficient water and men exposed hill with 12 men and 1 wounded officer determined to hold through the night. Attacked continuously with grenades, machineguns, and rifles from 3 sides, he and his valiant men fiercely beat back or destroyed the enemy, resorting to hand-to-hand combat as the supply of ammunition dwindled, and still maintaining his lines with his 8 remaining riflemen when daylight brought more deadly fire and he was ordered to withdraw. His valiant leadership against devastating odds while protecting the units below from heavy Japanese attack reflects the highest credit upon Capt. Pope and the U.S. Naval Service.







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Mike Piccione is the Editor of Guns & Patriots. He is a long time shooter, hunter and writer. Mike is a former United States Marine, NRA Marketing Manager and a member of the Fairfax County, VA, Community Emergency Response Team.