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 a collection of disparate individuals who managed to participate in every major action in the European war. Rock's dog-tag number was 409966, which had been, it was claimed, Robert Kanigher's own military serial number.
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. Rock's backstory 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. Rock is shown to have two siblings (Sgt. Rock #421) Larry, a Marine fighting in the Pacific and Amy, a nun. 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. However, in the closing pages of the last issue, the narration states that, following the end of the story, "As usual, Sgt. Rock's 'Combat-Happy Joes' moved out to fill the ranks of another Easy Company left fractured by war", moving them to the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division, under 2nd Lieutenant Audie Murphy. A famous tagline of Rock's is: "Nothin's easy in Easy Company."
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. Ever the model NCO, Sgt. Rock always rendered proper respect to these officers, and was always quick to give advice to not only ensure success, but for that officer to gain confidence and experience as a leader. 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.
Title continues from Our Army at War. Cover art by Joe Kubert.
"Anzio... The Bloodbath" script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Joe Kubert, inks by Frank Springer; Sgt. Rock and Easy during the invasion of Italy; three part story continued in next two issues. War Games humor page by Sergio Aragones. A Yard of War--Robert Kanigher's Gallery of War, art by Ric Estrada; WWII Marine Corps story.
Joe Kubert cover, inks and pencils, written by Robert Kanigher.
"Future Kill!" starring Sgt. Rock. "An Unbeatable Power!" Superman; Hostess Twinkies ad. "Touch Down!" "Take Ten".
Written by Robert Kanigher. Art by Frank Redondo. Cover by Joe Kubert
"A Gift from the Dead!":
Sgt. Rock is haunted by the ghosts of the soldiers who've died under his command. Includes the back-up tale "Last Take!" By Robert Kanigher and Rex Lindsey. And, "Marine!" By Bob Kanigher and Rex Lindsey.
Written by Robert Kanigher. Art by Frank Redondo. Cover by Joe Kubert
"The Dummy: Part 2!":
A tale of Sgt. Rock and the Dummy. Includes the back-up tale "...War Spoils!" By Timothy Truman. Plus, "For Caesar!" And, "The Marion County Rangers!" By Bill Kelley and Tom Mandrake.
Written by Robert Kanigher. Art by Frank Redondo. Cover by Joe Kubert
"The Worry Wart!":
Meet the new edition to Eady Company - Worry Wart! Includes the back-up tale "Who Mourns for Decker?" By Sid Wright. Plus, "Super Bomb!" And, "Give Peace a Chance!" By Brian Bilby.
Written by Robert Kanigher. Art by Frank Redondo. Cover by Joe Kubert
"It's a Little Crazy!":
What method does fate use to decide who lives and who dies in war? Includes the back-up tale "Plain Ride!" Plus, "Battle!" And, "Battle Album: Atomic War!" By jack Arata.