Onslow S. Rolfe participant of World War I
Start of career
Rolfe was admitted to West Point in 1914; his classmates nicknamed him "Pinkey" because of his red hair and flushed complexion, and the nickname stuck with him for the rest of his career.  He graduated in August 1917, ranked 109th of 151 students.  He was commissioned as a second lieutenant of Infantry, and was assigned to the 7th Infantry Regiment.  He was promoted to first lieutenant on August 30.In October 1917 Rolfe joined his regiment in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  In late October and November, he attended the Infantry School of Arms at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  He then joined his regiment at Camp Greene, North Carolina, and took part in pre-deployment training prior to going overseas.  The regiment departed for France in March 1918.World War I
After arriving in France the regiment took part in combat operations as part of the 3rd Division.  Rolfe was a participant in the Second Battle of the Marne in July and August 1918, and received the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism while moving and positioning 3rd Division reinforcements during a critical juncture in the battle.  He was promoted to captain in September 1918, and took part in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.  Rolfe was wounded as the result of a gas attack in October, for which he received the Purple Heart.  He convalesced at a hospital in France until January 1919.