Video

Video by Pfc. Jameson Harris

Kenneth "Rock" Merritt Memorial Video

22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

March 12, 2020 | 0:48

Legendary World War II veteran and paratrooper Kenneth “Rock” Merritt passed away on March 10, 2021 in Fayetteville, N.C. “Rock” Merritt served in the U.S. Army for 35 years and is the only service member to be selected as the Command Sgt. Maj. of XVIII Airborne Corps twice. He fought during the Battle of Normandy, D-Day and Operation Market Garden. He is most closely associated with the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper, racking up 200 jumps over the course of his career. He is known for investing his time after retirement in encouraging young, new paratroopers and was a legend within the Airborne community. He will be deeply missed. All the Way!