The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class James S. Roope (ASN: RA-6662580), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 31 August 1950, near Changayong, Korea. On the night of 31 August 1950, the numerically superior enemy had made a fanatical assault against elements of the 23d Infantry Regiment. Sergeant Roope, in charge of a section of heavy machine guns, in spite of the devastating barrage of enemy artillery, mortar, machine gun and small arms fire, continually exposed himself to the enemy fire in order to bring to bear more effective fire from his own guns. When it became necessary to change belts of ammunition, he again exposed himself, while covering his gunners with the fire of his carbine on full automatic. His section, through his inspiring leadership, and grim determination remained intact, and did not withdraw until it was either out of ammunition, or the water jacket of the machine guns had exploded due to the intense firing of the weapons. Through this action, the enemy advance was retarded long enough for the units in the rear to be alerted. When the machine guns had become inoperative, he successfully led his men to the rear, and to safety. Sergeant Roope’s gallant and heroic actions on this occasion were an inspiration to all that witnessed the act, and are worthy of the highest traditions of the military service.