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John W. Roper

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Wesley Roper
Born(1898-05-31)May 31, 1898
North Carolina, U.S.
DiedSeptember 8, 1963(1963-09-08) (aged 65)
Allegiance United States of America
Service / branch United States Navy
Rank Vice Admiral
CommandsUSS Wisconsin (BB-64)
Battles / warsWorld War I
World War II
AwardsLegion of Merit
Commendation Medal
RelationsDaniel C. Roper (father)
MG Harry M. Roper (brother)

John Wesley Roper (May 31, 1898 – September 8, 1963) was a Vice Admiral in the United States Navy. He was the son of the 7th United States Secretary of Commerce, Daniel C. Roper.

Career

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Roper was born in North Carolina and became graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Class of 1918.[1] During World War I, he served aboard the USS Roe (DD-24), which operated in the north Atlantic, performing coastal, anti-submarine patrols, escort operations.

Later, Roper would assume command of the USS Wisconsin (BB-64) for the closing months of World War II, succeeding Earl E. Stone. During that time, he led the Wisconsin in the Battle of Okinawa. For his service during the battle, he was awarded the Legion of Merit.[2] Previously, he had been given a Letter of Commendation for his services in the South Pacific Area, during which time he helped plan the Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands Campaigns.

John Wesley Roper died on September 8, 1963, and was buried together with his wife Hazel N. Roper (1898–1978) at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Commanding Officers". USS Wisconsin (BB-64) Association. Archived from the original on 2011-07-23. Retrieved 2011-05-21.
  2. ^ "Valor Awards for John W. Roper". militarytimes.com. Retrieved 2011-05-21.
  3. ^ "John Wesley Roper - Find a Grave Memorial". findagrave.com. Retrieved 2011-05-21.