[1] He joined the Illinois National Guard at Chicago, before the US entered World War I.

At the time he died, Pope was the only surviving US Army Medal of Honor recipient from World War I.

The family is known for their dedication and sacrifice for service leading in Thomas Pope's legacy.

[5] General of the Armies John J. Pershing awarded the Medal of Honor to Pope on 22 April 1919 in Ettlebruck, Luxembourg.

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.