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{{DC Database:Character Template
 
{{DC Database:Character Template
 
| Image = Sgt Rock 01.jpg
 
| Image = Sgt Rock 01.jpg
| ImageText =
+
| RealName = [[Sgt. Rock|Franklin Rock]]
| RealName = Franklin Rock
 
 
| CurrentAlias = Sgt. Rock
 
| CurrentAlias = Sgt. Rock
  +
| Aliases = [[General Rock]], Sheriff<ref>{{c|Sgt. Rock Vol 1 315}}</ref>
| Distinguish1 =
 
| Distinguish2 =
 
| Aliases = Sgt. Rock, [[General Rock]], Sgt. Rocky; The Rock of Easy; The General of Sergeants, Private Rock; [[Sgt. Rock]]; Service number 409966
 
 
| Identity = Public
 
| Identity = Public
 
| Alignment = Good
 
| Alignment = Good
| Affiliation = [[Easy Company]]; [[Task Force X]] <ref>''[[Booster Gold Vol 2 20|Booster Gold (Volume 2) #20]]''</ref>
+
| Affiliation = [[Easy Company]]; [[Task Force X]]<ref>{{c|Booster Gold Vol 2 20}}</ref>
| Relatives = John Michael Rock (father, deceased); John Anderson (stepfather, deceased); Larry Rock (brother); Eddie Rock (brother, deceased); Josh Rock (brother, deceased); Bill Rock (brother); Mickey Rock (brother, deceased); Amy Rock (sister); Ann Rock (sister); [[Joseph Rock (New Earth)|Joe Rock]] (grandson)
+
| Relatives = John Michael Rock (father, deceased); John Anderson (stepfather, deceased); [[Lawrence Rock (New Earth)|Larry Rock]] (brother); Eddie Rock (brother, deceased); Josh Rock (brother, deceased); Bill Rock (brother); Mickey Rock (brother, deceased); Amy Rock (sister); Ann Rock (sister)
| Universe = New Earth
+
| Universe = Earth-Two; Earth-One; New Earth
 
| BaseOfOperations =
 
| BaseOfOperations =
   
Line 23: Line 20:
 
| Citizenship = American
 
| Citizenship = American
 
| MaritalStatus = Single
 
| MaritalStatus = Single
| Occupation = Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; former soldier in the United States Army holding the rank of Sergeant; later at the rank of General.
+
| Occupation = [[Politician]]; [[Soldier]]; [[Soldier|Sergeant]]; [[Soldier|General]]
| Education =
 
   
| Origin =
 
 
| PlaceOfBirth = [[Pittsburgh]], [[Pennsylvania]]
 
| PlaceOfBirth = [[Pittsburgh]], [[Pennsylvania]]
 
| Creators = Robert Kanigher; Joe Kubert
 
| Creators = Robert Kanigher; Joe Kubert
 
| First = Our Army at War #81
 
| First = Our Army at War #81
| Last = Superman Vol 2 #173
+
| Last = Time Masters: Vanishing Point Vol 1 6
   
| HistoryText =During World War II, Sgt. Rock fought in the infantry branch of the U.S. Army in the European Theatre and eventually rose to authority within his unit, Easy Company. The unit was made up of a disparate collection of individuals who managed to participate in every major action in the European war. Rock's dogtag number was 409966, which had been, it was claimed, Robert Kanigher's own military serial number.
+
| Overview = Franklin "Frank" Rock fought in the infantry branch of the U.S. Army during [[World War II]]. He eventually rose to the rank of Master sergeant and becoming the authority figurehead within his unit, [[Easy Company]]. The unit was made up of a disparate collection of individuals who managed to participate in every major action in the European Theatre. Throughout the gruelling conflict, Rock developed a loathing for warfare but also creating a strong bond and deep sense of loyalty with the men of Easy Company.
   
 
| HistoryText =
Robert Kanigher mused in letters columns in the 1970s and 1980s that Rock probably belonged to "The Big Red One" (First US Infantry Division) given his appearance on battlefields in North Africa, Italy and Northwest Europe. The backstory for Rock was fleshed out in different comics over the years; generally he is considered to have come from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he worked in a steel mill. Enlisting after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he went to North Africa as a private but promotion came quickly as his superiors were killed, to assistant squad leader, squad leader, and then platoon sergeant. During the main series, his unit is only ever given as "Easy Company", but no regiment or division is named nor is unit insignia ever shown. In the 2009 six-issue mini-series, "Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion", Rock's unit is still referred to as "Easy Company", but is of the 141st Infantry Regiment.
 
  +
===Childhood===
  +
In his childhood, Rock had sworn, that he would salute to his brother Larry, if he would graduate from the R.O.T.C.. He never got the chance to do this, because Larry was still fighting against the Japanese empire in the Phillipine jungles, when Rock became soldier.<ref>{{c|Sgt. Rock Vol 1 314}}</ref>
   
  +
He learned the ABCs of how to be a combat infantryman by Sgt. Stryker, who also saved his life, after Rock accidently felt in the water. Years later, Stryker saved Rock's life a second time, which he paid with his life.<ref>{{c|Sgt. Rock Vol 1 323}}</ref>
Rock also usually wears the chevrons and rockers of a Master Sergeant on his uniform and also applied, oversize, to the front of his helmet.
 
 
It is likely Rock's official position in [[Easy Company]] was of senior platoon sergeant though dialogue and scripts are usually vague on his actual responsibilities and duties. He usually leads patrols and appears to have powers of command over the men of the company. Several officer characters also appeared in the comic, as both platoon and company commanders, all of whom were regarded by Rock as superiors. Easy's commander was usually referred to as "the skipper" by Rock. Rock in turn was referred to by others as the "topkick", or senior non-commissioned officer in the company. Most infantry companies did not have Master Sergeants; significantly, Rock does not have the diamond of a First Sergeant on his rank insignia.
 
 
 
  +
===Adventures in the army===
  +
He got the full lead of the Easy Company, after his former C.O. passed out during a mission in a desert.<ref>{{c|Our Army at War Vol 1 149}}</ref>
   
  +
During a mission, Rock and the men of Easy Co. worked together with [[Bruce Wayne (Earth-One)|Bruce Wayne]], who posed as a British Service Spy and stopped a [[Nazi Party|Nazi]] faction from using nerve gas against the allied forces. This was achieved thanks to Batman's intervention, and years later, Rock returned the favor when he saved Wayne from a certain death.<ref>{{c|The Brave and the Bold #84}}</ref>
   
  +
Among other events during his term of service, Rock led Easy Company in the final western invasion of Germany in 1945 and accepted the peaceful surrender of [[Hans_von_Hammer_(New_Earth)|Hans von Hammer]] aka "The Enemy Ace." <ref>{{c|Enemy Ace: War in Heaven Vol 1 2}}</ref>
| Recommended =
 
* [[Our Army at War Vol 1|Our Army at War]]
 
* [[Sgt. Rock Vol 1|Sgt. Rock (Volume 1)]]
 
* [[Sgt. Rock Special Vol 1|Sgt. Rock Special]]
 
* [[Superman Vol 2 166|Superman (Volume 2) #166]] {{1stas|a General}}
 
   
  +
General Rock played a vital role in the administration of President [[Lex Luthor]] and was also active during the "[[Our Worlds at War]]" debacle. Following which, General Rock was put in charge of a new [[Suicide Squad (New Earth)|Suicide Squad]].<ref>{{c|Suicide Squad Vol 2 1}}</ref>
| Powers = Rock is a crack shot, able to shoot down several German fighter planes with a single submachine gun, and able to throw hand grenades with amazing accuracy.
 
| Abilities = *Rock is a highly effective close combat fighter, mostly shown using a style of streetfighting mixed with boxing.
 
*Rock seems to have close to superhuman endurance and strength, surviving large number of gunshot wounds, fragments from hand grenades, exposure to freezing water and other hazards. In Bob Kanighers stories Rock's powers seem to be more realistic than in Joe Kuberts.
 
| Strength = Rock has the strength level of an adult male with an extensive work out routine.
 
| Weaknesses = Rock has the same weaknesses as any normal adult male.
 
   
  +
Following the Squad's dissolution, however, Rock vanished leaving behind only a lifelike face mask while the individual believed to have been his aide, Bulldozer, stood up from the wheelchair to which he had apparently been confined and walked away in front of bewildered witnesses. Task Force X head [[Amanda Waller]] commented that both Frank Rock and Bulldozer had died in 1945. So far, no explanation for these events has been given, though the implication is clearly that these individuals were not the real Rock and Bulldozer.<ref>{{c|Suicide Squad Vol 2 12}}</ref>
| Equipment = M-1 Garand cartridge belt, 30 calibre ammunition belts (slung over shoulder)
 
  +
 
| Powers =
 
| Abilities =
 
* {{Firearms}}: Rock is a crack shot, able to shoot down several German fighter planes with a single submachine gun, and able to throw hand grenades with amazing accuracy.
 
* {{Hand-to-Hand Combat (Advanced)}}: Rock is a highly effective close combat fighter, mostly shown using a style of street fighting mixed with boxing.
  +
* {{Leadership}}
  +
 
| Strength =
 
| Weaknesses =
  +
 
| Equipment =
  +
* '''[[Wikipedia:M-1956 Load-Carrying Equipment|M-1 Garand Cartridge Belt]]'''
  +
* '''[[Wikipedia:Belt (firearm)|30 Caliber Ammunition Belts]]'''
 
| Transportation =
 
| Transportation =
| Weapons = .45 calibre Thompson submachine gun, .45 calibre Colt M1911A1 automatic pistol
+
| Weapons =
  +
* '''[[Wikipedia:Thompson submachine gun|.45 Caliber Thompson Submachine Gun]]'''
  +
* '''[[Wikipedia:M1911 pistol|.45 Caliber Colt M1911A1 Automatic Pistol]]'''
   
 
| Notes =
 
| Notes =
  +
* The character of Frank Rock was created by writer/editor [[Robert Kanigher]]. According to Kanigher, neither Rock, nor any of the other soldiers of [[Easy Company]] survived World War II. Kanigher's legendary character was allegedly felled by the last bullet fired in the final battle of World War II.
* The character of Frank Rock was created by writer/editor [[Robert Kanigher]]. According to Kanigher, neither Rock, nor any of the other soldiers of [[Easy Company]] survived World War II. Kanigher's legendary character was allegedly felled by the last bullet fired in the final battle of World War II. Later writers would establish that Rock not only survived World War II, but was still active in the affairs of the United States government. ''[[Booster Gold Vol 2 20|Booster Gold (Volume 2) #20]]'' indicates that Rock was one of the early field commanders of [[Task Force X]], serving with them as early as [[1952]]. In the modern era, Rock was shown to still be alive, having at last been promoted to the rank of General. General Rock played a vital role in the administration of President [[Lex Luthor]] and was also active during the "[[Our Worlds at War]]" debacle. Following which, General Rock was put in charge of a new [[Suicide Squad]]. <ref>''[[Suicide Squad Vol 2 1|Suicide Squad (Volume 2) #1]]''</ref> Following the Squad's dissolution, however, Rock vanished leaving behind only a lifelike face mask while the individual believed to have been his aide, Bulldozer, stood up from the wheelchair to which he had apparently been confined and walked away in front of bewildered witnesses. Task Force X head [[Amanda Waller]] commented that both Frank Rock and Bulldozer had died in 1945. So far, no explanation for these events has been given, though the implication is clearly that these individuals were not the real Rock and Bulldozer.
 
  +
* Later writers would establish that Rock not only survived World War II, but was still active in the affairs of the United States government. {{c|Booster Gold Vol 2 20}} indicates that Rock was one of the early field commanders of [[Task Force X]], serving with them as early as [[1952]]. In the modern era, Rock was shown to still be alive, having at last been promoted to the rank of General.
 
 
* Sgt. Rock and Easy Company's adventures took place simultaneously on both [[Earth-One]] and [[Earth-Two]], with little to no differentiation between them. As such, Rock's continuity is preserved in the [[Post-Crisis]] environment.
 
* Sgt. Rock and Easy Company's adventures took place simultaneously on both [[Earth-One]] and [[Earth-Two]], with little to no differentiation between them. As such, Rock's continuity is preserved in the [[Post-Crisis]] environment.
 
* Sgt. Rock is somewhat analogous to the Marvel Comics character, [[MDP:Nick Fury|Nick Fury]].
 
   
 
| Trivia =
 
| Trivia =
* Sgt. Rock's dogtag number during World War II was 409966. This was also the serial number of Air Force Major [[Nick Hunter]]. Allegedly, the number 409966 was writer [[Robert Kanigher|Robert Kanigher's]] own dogtag number during the time he spent in the service.<ref>''[[Wikipedia:Sgt. Rock#Military Service|Sgt. Rock article at Wikipedia]]''</ref>
+
* Sgt. Rock's dog tag number during World War II was 409966. This was also the serial number of Air Force Major [[Nick Hunter]]. Allegedly, the number 409966 was writer [[Robert Kanigher|Robert Kanigher's]] own dogtag number during the time he spent in the service.<ref>[[Wikipedia:Sgt. Rock#Military Service|Sgt. Rock article at Wikipedia]]</ref>
 
* Robert Kanigher mused in letters columns in the 1970s and 1980s that Rock probably belonged to "The Big Red One" (1st Infantry Division) given his appearance on battlefields in North Africa, Italy and Northwest Europe. The backstory for Rock was fleshed out in different comics over the years; generally he is considered to have come from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he worked in a steel mill. Enlisting after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he went to North Africa as a private but promotion came quickly as his superiors were killed, to assistant squad leader, squad leader, and then platoon sergeant. During the main series, his unit is only ever given as "Easy Company", but no regiment or division is named nor is unit insignia ever shown. In the 2009 six-issue mini-series, "Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion", Rock's unit is still referred to as "Easy Company", but is of the 141st Infantry Regiment. It is likely Rock's official position in [[Easy Company]] was of senior platoon sergeant though dialogue and scripts are usually vague on his actual responsibilities and duties. He usually leads patrols and appears to have powers of command over the men of the company. Several officer characters also appeared in the comic, as both platoon and company commanders, all of whom were regarded by Rock as superiors. Easy's commander was usually referred to as "the skipper" by Rock. Rock in turn was referred to by others as the "topkick", or senior non-commissioned officer in the company. Most infantry companies did not have Master Sergeants; significantly, Rock does not have the diamond of a First Sergeant on his rank insignia. Rock also usually wears the chevrons and rockers of a Master Sergeant on his uniform and also applied, oversize, to the front of his helmet.
 
* Frank Rock graduated from Hill Side High School in Pennsylvania.
 
* Sgt. Rock was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross at Normandy.<ref>{{c|Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion Vol 1 1}}</ref>
  +
* Sgt. Rock is also known as ''Sgt. Rocky'', ''Service Number 409966'', ''General of Sergeants'', ''Private Rock'' and ''Rock of Easy''.
   
* In [[1983]], Remco Toys released a 3 3/4" [[Sgt. Rock]] action figure.
+
| Recommended = {{Sgt. Rock RR}}
   
* Frank Rock graduated from Hill Side High School in Pennsylvania.
 
* Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 141st Infantry.
 
* Sgt. Rock was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross at Normandy.<ref>[[Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion Vol 1 1|''Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion'' #1]]</ref>
 
| DC =
 
 
| Wikipedia = Sgt. Rock
 
| Wikipedia = Sgt. Rock
 
| Links =
 
| Links =
* [http://www.dccomics.com/secret_files/pdfs/sergeant_rock.pdf Sgt. Rock biography page at the DC Comics Secret Files (PDF format)]
 
* [http://www.fanzing.com/mag/fanzing36/feature4.shtml Sgt. Rock page at Fanzing]
 
* [http://www.toonopedia.com/sgt_rock.htm Sgt. Rock biography page at Don Markstein's Toonopedia]
 
* [http://www.dcuguide.com/profile.php?name=frankrock Sgt. Rock biography page at the Unofficial Guide to the DC Universe]
 
* [http://www.dcuguide.com/chronology.php?name=frankrock Sgt. Rock chronology index at the Unofficial Guide to the DC Universe]
 
* [http://www.proudrobot.com/hembeck/easycompany.html Sgt. Rock page at the Hembeck Files]
 
* [http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/news/106930719573960.htm Joe Kubert interview on Sgt. Rock at Silver Bullet Comics]
 
 
}}
 
}}
  +
  +
{{World War II}}
 
[[Category:Sgt. Rock]]
 
[[Category:Sgt. Rock]]
 
[[Category:Easy Company members]]
 
[[Category:Easy Company members]]
[[Category:1959 Character Debuts]]
 

Revision as of 15:00, 26 April 2020

Franklin "Frank" Rock fought in the infantry branch of the U.S. Army during World War II. He eventually rose to the rank of Master sergeant and becoming the authority figurehead within his unit, Easy Company. The unit was made up of a disparate collection of individuals who managed to participate in every major action in the European Theatre. Throughout the gruelling conflict, Rock developed a loathing for warfare but also creating a strong bond and deep sense of loyalty with the men of Easy Company.

Childhood

In his childhood, Rock had sworn, that he would salute to his brother Larry, if he would graduate from the R.O.T.C.. He never got the chance to do this, because Larry was still fighting against the Japanese empire in the Phillipine jungles, when Rock became soldier.[3]

He learned the ABCs of how to be a combat infantryman by Sgt. Stryker, who also saved his life, after Rock accidently felt in the water. Years later, Stryker saved Rock's life a second time, which he paid with his life.[4]

Adventures in the army

He got the full lead of the Easy Company, after his former C.O. passed out during a mission in a desert.[5]

During a mission, Rock and the men of Easy Co. worked together with Bruce Wayne, who posed as a British Service Spy and stopped a Nazi faction from using nerve gas against the allied forces. This was achieved thanks to Batman's intervention, and years later, Rock returned the favor when he saved Wayne from a certain death.[6]

Among other events during his term of service, Rock led Easy Company in the final western invasion of Germany in 1945 and accepted the peaceful surrender of Hans von Hammer aka "The Enemy Ace." [7]

General Rock played a vital role in the administration of President Lex Luthor and was also active during the "Our Worlds at War" debacle. Following which, General Rock was put in charge of a new Suicide Squad.[8]

Following the Squad's dissolution, however, Rock vanished leaving behind only a lifelike face mask while the individual believed to have been his aide, Bulldozer, stood up from the wheelchair to which he had apparently been confined and walked away in front of bewildered witnesses. Task Force X head Amanda Waller commented that both Frank Rock and Bulldozer had died in 1945. So far, no explanation for these events has been given, though the implication is clearly that these individuals were not the real Rock and Bulldozer.[9]


Abilities

  • Firearms: Rock is a crack shot, able to shoot down several German fighter planes with a single submachine gun, and able to throw hand grenades with amazing accuracy.
  • Hand-to-Hand Combat (Advanced): Rock is a highly effective close combat fighter, mostly shown using a style of street fighting mixed with boxing.
  • Leadership

Equipment

Weapons


  • The character of Frank Rock was created by writer/editor Robert Kanigher. According to Kanigher, neither Rock, nor any of the other soldiers of Easy Company survived World War II. Kanigher's legendary character was allegedly felled by the last bullet fired in the final battle of World War II.
  • Later writers would establish that Rock not only survived World War II, but was still active in the affairs of the United States government. Booster Gold (Volume 2) #20 indicates that Rock was one of the early field commanders of Task Force X, serving with them as early as 1952. In the modern era, Rock was shown to still be alive, having at last been promoted to the rank of General.
  • Sgt. Rock and Easy Company's adventures took place simultaneously on both Earth-One and Earth-Two, with little to no differentiation between them. As such, Rock's continuity is preserved in the Post-Crisis environment.
  • Sgt. Rock's dog tag number during World War II was 409966. This was also the serial number of Air Force Major Nick Hunter. Allegedly, the number 409966 was writer Robert Kanigher's own dogtag number during the time he spent in the service.[10]
  • Robert Kanigher mused in letters columns in the 1970s and 1980s that Rock probably belonged to "The Big Red One" (1st Infantry Division) given his appearance on battlefields in North Africa, Italy and Northwest Europe. The backstory for Rock was fleshed out in different comics over the years; generally he is considered to have come from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he worked in a steel mill. Enlisting after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he went to North Africa as a private but promotion came quickly as his superiors were killed, to assistant squad leader, squad leader, and then platoon sergeant. During the main series, his unit is only ever given as "Easy Company", but no regiment or division is named nor is unit insignia ever shown. In the 2009 six-issue mini-series, "Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion", Rock's unit is still referred to as "Easy Company", but is of the 141st Infantry Regiment. It is likely Rock's official position in Easy Company was of senior platoon sergeant though dialogue and scripts are usually vague on his actual responsibilities and duties. He usually leads patrols and appears to have powers of command over the men of the company. Several officer characters also appeared in the comic, as both platoon and company commanders, all of whom were regarded by Rock as superiors. Easy's commander was usually referred to as "the skipper" by Rock. Rock in turn was referred to by others as the "topkick", or senior non-commissioned officer in the company. Most infantry companies did not have Master Sergeants; significantly, Rock does not have the diamond of a First Sergeant on his rank insignia. Rock also usually wears the chevrons and rockers of a Master Sergeant on his uniform and also applied, oversize, to the front of his helmet.
  • Frank Rock graduated from Hill Side High School in Pennsylvania.
  • Sgt. Rock was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross at Normandy.[11]
  • Sgt. Rock is also known as Sgt. Rocky, Service Number 409966, General of Sergeants, Private Rock and Rock of Easy.

Related

Footnotes