Percival Clarence Pope was an American officer who served in the United States Marine Corps during the American Civil War.
Background
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. 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 United States Ship Richmond, which was commanded by his father.
Career
He accepted a commission in the Marine Corps in 1861 and served continuously for 44 years, retiring as a Colonel in 1905 although he was promoted to Brigadier General on the retired list. 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. During the second inaugural parade for President William McKinley, Pope commanded a Marine Regiment.
General Pope was a First Class Companion of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.
He died at his home in Milton, Massachusetts January 22, 1922 and is buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Dorchester, Massachusetts. A complete set of Pope"s awards, including his Brevet Medal, are on display at the Navy Memorial Museum in Washington, District of Columbia citation Pope was given two citations in 1921 for service in the Civil War, one from the President of the United States and another from the Secretary of the Navy.
Presidential citation Citation: The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the to Percival Clarence Pope, Second Lieutenant, United States. Marine Corps, for gallant and meritorious service in the night attack upon Fort Sumter, on 2 March 1861, appointed Captain, by brevet, to rank from 8 September 1863. 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 Number.
26 (1921), for gallant and meritorious service while serving aboard the United States.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.
Membership
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.