Introduction
Thomas A. Pope (December 15, 1894 – June 14, 1989) was a soldier in the United States Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Battle of Hamel during World War I. For this action, he was also awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal by King George V.
Biography
Pope was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 15, 1894. After the war, he was a district foreman for the Cook County Highway Department. He also served as a contact officer for the Veterans Administration. He died June 14, 1989. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. His grave can be found in section 35, lot 3157.
Pope was the last surviving Army Medal of Honor recipient of World War I when he died.
Personal life
He had a wife and three daughters.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company E, 131st Infantry, 33d Division. Place and date: At Hamel, France, 4 July 1918. Entered service at: Chicago, Ill. Birth: Chicago, Ill. G.O. No.: 44, W.D., 1919.
Citation:
His company was advancing behind the tanks when it was halted by hostile machinegun fire. Going forward alone, he rushed a machinegun nest, killed several of the crew with his bayonet, and, standing astride his gun, held off the others until reinforcements arrived and captured them.