The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class Peter Ropos, Jr., United States Navy, for gallantry in action while serving aboard the U.S.S. BARTON (DD-599), in action off Guadalcanal on 12 – 13 November 1942. Thrown overboard by the force of an explosion, Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class Ropos, without a life jacket, swam among a group of struggling survivors, offering encouragement and rendering assistance. Discovering an injured man, he remained with him until they were both picked up several hours later. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.