Percival C. Pope

Percival Clarence Pope (February 28, 1841 – January 22, 1922) was an American officer who served in the United States Marine Corps during the American Civil War. He received the Marine Corps Brevet Medal for bravery.

Early life Pope was born February 28, 1841, at the Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, Massachusetts, and was the son of the Union Navy officer Commodore John Pope.

Military career When the American Civil War started in 1861, he was only 21 but accepted an appointment in the United States Navy, on board the steam-sloop USS Richmond, which was commanded by his father. While aboard the Richmond, he and the other members of the crew participated in engagements from October 12–13, 1861, while on blockade duty at the Passes of the Mississippi River. Although two Marine Corps officers were awarded the Brevet Medal for service during the Civil War, Pope is the only one to receive it because the other recipient, James Forney, died before it could be presented.

Secretary of the Navy citation Citation The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in transmitting to First Lieutenant Percival Clarence Pope, United States Marine Corps, the Brevet Medal which is awarded in accordance with Marine Corps Order No. 26 (1921), for gallant and meritorious service while serving aboard the U.S.S. POWHATAN during the night attack upon Fort Sumter, on 2 March 1861. On 8 September 1863 First Lieutenant Pope is appointed Captain, by brevet, to rank from 8 September 1863.