Samuel Rockenbach

Samuel Dickerson Rockenbach (27 January 1869 – 16 May 1952) an American Brigadier General and father of the United States Tank Corps.

Samuel Rockenbach was born on January 27, 1869 in Lynchburg, Virginia. He attended the Virginia Military Institute, where he graduated third in the class of 1889.

He married Emma Baldwin, who was the daughter of Theodore Anderson Baldwin.

He was the commander of Kemper Military Institution. He also served in the Missouri Militia. He won a commission in the United States Cavalry. He served repeatedly with John J. Pershing, including serving as quartermaster during the Pancho Villa Expedition.

During World War I

In December 1917, he was appointed by Pershing to command the AEF's tank service. In 1918, Rockenbach organized, trained, equipped, and deployed the first American tank units to the European Western Front during World War I.

After World War I

He remained chief of the Tanks Corps until 1920. He directed the tank school at Fort Meade, Maryland until 1924.

From 1928 to his retirement in 1933, he commanded the Second Artillery Brigade at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Rockenbach died on May 16, 1952.

Rockenbach received the Army Distinguished Service Medal.

His papers are held by the Virginia Military Institute.