Meritorious service while serving as a prisoner of the enemy in Moji, Japan from 29 November 1942 to 25 August 1943. Ordered by Japanese military authorities, with 14 other members of the Navy Medical Department to establish a prison camp hospital at Moji for the emergency care of 246 British prisoners from Java who were rapidly dying due to a virulent epidemic of dysentery, Chief Roepke devoted his professional talent faithfully over a period of nine months working continually without medicines, equipment or necessary foods, in the effort to save the lives of his allied comrades. Although half of the number eventually succumbed to the dreaded disease, the 123 survivors owe their lives to the faithful nursing care given them. Chief Roepke was constantly exposed to the infection himself, and never faltered in his task until the epidemic had been quelled. By his human kindness, initiative, and loyal devotion to duty, Chief Roepke reflected credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.