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Samuel Dickerson Rockenbach (1869-1852) is known for his role in the establishment of the World War I Tank Corps and for his work in the development of tank warfare. He was born on January 27, 1869 in Lynchburg, Virginia to Frank J. Rockenbach (1839-1900) and Jeanie Nicolson (1848-1905). He graduated from Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in 1889 and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1891.
Prior to World War I, Rockenbach saw tours of duty in Cuba, the Philippines, various United States posts, and served as a military observer in Germany (1914). In June 1917 he arrived in France with the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). From 1917 to 1919 he served as Chief of the newly formed Tank Corps, AEF.
The Samuel D. Rockenbach papers contain primary source material that documents the development and use of tanks by the American AEF in France. The papers include documents, photographs, and early tank design drawings for both American and Allied forces. Use the exhibit below to explore some of the items from these papers.
Rockenbach at AEF general headquarters in Chaumont, France.
A tank (left) struck by a large shell.
Major George S. Patton served under Rockenbach during World War I.
This military order directs Colonel Rockenbach and Major Patton to proceed to London, England.
In this letter, John J. Pershing Pershing congratulates Rockenbach on the role of the Tank Corps in the September 1918 offense.
A military memo regarding defense against tanks.
General Rockenbach receives the Distinguished Service Medal from General John J. Pershing. George C. Marshall is seen on the far left.
Tank students assemble a motor at Camp Meade, Maryland.