Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

1st Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1918

"For extraordinary heroism while serving with the First Battalion, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action at Chateau-Thierry, France, on 6 June 1918. Captain Rockey performed distinguished service by bringing up supports and placing them in the front lines at great personal exposure, showing exceptional ability and extraordinary heroism. He was indefatigable and invaluable in carrying forward the attack and organizing and holding the position."

War Department, General Orders No. 110

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

1st Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army

"For extraordinary heroism while serving with the First Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Chateau-Thierry, France, on 6 June 1918. Captain Rockey performed distinguished service by bringing up supports and placing them in the front lines at great personal exposure, showing exceptional ability and extraordinary heroism. He was indefatigable and invaluable in carrying forward the attack and organizing and holding the position."

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army

"By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918) Captain Keller Emrick Rockey (MCSN: 0-838), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Captain Rockey distinguished himself while serving with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June to 10 July 1918."

Rank:

Major

Unit:

1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards, 11th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

December 11th, 1929

"For distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer, First Battalion, Eleventh Regiment, Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, operating in the Northern Area of Nicaragua from 19 January 1928 to 11 November 1928. Major Rockey displayed great zeal, initiative and sound judgment in planning and leading many combat patrols against the numerous and active bandit groups infesting the practically unexplored area. His courage, ability and good judgment contributed largely to the successful suppression of banditry in the province of Nuevo Segovia and in the northern area."

Authority - USMC Communiqué: 0338-1-3 (Gold Star in lieu)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

HQ, 5th Marine Division "The Spearhead", U.S. Marine Corps

"For exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the FIFTH Marine Division, prior to and during the seizure of enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima in the Volcano Group, from 19 February 1945 to 26 March 1945. Inculcating in the officers and men of his regiments his own indomitable spirit of determination; Major General Rockey skillfully welded the new and untried division into a formidable fighting command in preparation for the Iwo Jima operation. A bold tactician, he landed his forces at the base of Mount Suribachi on the southeast shore of the island under a deadly mortar bombardment directed on the beach from deeply entrenched enemy positions which were strategically placed to afford complete coverage of the entire landing area. Deploying his units according to plan, he quickly cut the island in two and laid siege to the defending garrison on the mountain. Directing the assault with superb generalship, he pushed the relentless advance inch by inch through the network of defenses circling Suribachi's broad base to make tortuous but steady progress up the open, gun -studded slopes of the volcanic stronghold, blasting and sealing elaborately fortified caves cut into the rock and fighting off repeated counterattacks with demolitions, flame throwers, grenades and small-arms fire as he moved his forces inexorably forward and captured the mountain. Continuing his attack to the north, he waged furious battle against ever-increasing resistance despite heavy Marine casualties until he had succeeded in annihilating the last pocket of Japanese resistance on 25 March. Constantly rallying his tired, depleted forces, Major General Rockey, by his undaunted valor, tenacious perseverance and staunch leadership in the face of overwhelming odds, inspired his stout-hearted Marines to heroic effort during critical phases of the bitter campaign. His resolute fortitude and decisive conduct throughout reflect the highest credit upon Major General Rockey, his gallant command and the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

HQ, III Marine Amphibious Corps, U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

1946

"For exceptionally meritorious service from 30 September 1945 to 6 December 1945 in the highly responsible position of Commanding General, THIRD Amphibious Corps, China Theater. During the occupation of North China he directed his forces with great skill and coordinated their work with that of the Chinese armies in the area. His rigid adherence to sound principles and high standards and his unerring judgment ensured the success of a most difficult and exacting mission."

War Department, General Orders No. 22

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Aisne & Defensive Sector clasps

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General (Major-general)

With Base clasp.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General (Major-general)

With two Service Stars.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General (Major-general)