Captain, USS WISCONSIN  2/20/45-12/18/45

Roper assumed command of the USS WISCONSIN on 20 February 1945, and with the rank of Captain directed her in the assault and occupation of Okinawa and in the final strikes against Japanese Home Islands. For his services in that command, he received the Legion of Merit. A 1918 graduate of the US Naval Academy, Vice Admiral Roper served on the destroyer USS Roe in World War I. In addition to the Legion of Merit, he received a Letter of Commendation for his services as Operations Officer, South Pacific Area, where he helped plan and direct the Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands Campaigns. Retired as VADM.