Name John Roper | ||
Born May 31, 1898North Carolina ( 1898-05-31 ) Died September 8, 1963(1963-09-08) (aged 65) Battles/wars World War IWorld War II | ||
Commands held USS Wisconsin (BB-64) | ||
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
Roper was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Class of 1918. During World War I, he served aboard the USS Roe (DD-24).
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. 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.