Keller E. Rockey
American Marine Corps general
Died when: 81 years 257 days (980 months)Star Sign: Libra
Keller Emrick Rockey (September 22, 1888 – June 6, 1970) was a highly decorated Lieutenant General in the United States Marine Corps, who commanded the Fifth Marine Division in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II and the Third Amphibious Corps during the occupation of North China following the war.
For outstanding services with the Third Amphibious Corps, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (U.S.Army), and for exceptionally meritorious service with the Fifth Marine Division, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (Navy).
The citation for the latter reads in part: ... in a position of great responsibility as Commanding General of the Fifth Marine Division prior to and during the seizure of enemy-held Iwo Jima from February 19 to March 26, 1945 ...
Major General Rockey skillfully welded the new and untried Division into a formidable fighting command.... a bold tactician, he landed his forces at the base of Mount Suribachi.
Deploying his units according to plan, he quickly cut the island in two.Directing the assault with superb generalship he moved his forces inexorably forward and captured the mountain.
Continuing his attack to the north, he waged furious battle until he had succeeded in annihilating the last pocket of Japanese resistance.
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American Marine Corps general
American Marine Corps general
American Marine Corps general