He attained the rank of brigadier general during World War II as commander of the Mountain Training Center at Camp Hale, Colorado, and the 71st Infantry Division.

He served in combat with the 7th Infantry Regiment, and received the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism and the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in a gas attack.

Between World Wars I and II, Rolfe carried out a variety of assignments with increasing rank and responsibility, including professor of military science at Rutgers University, and senior observer and advisor for the Wisconsin National Guard.

Near the end of World War II, Rolfe went to France as deputy commander of the 71st Infantry Division, and took part in the Rhineland campaign and the Western Allied invasion of Germany.

Rolfe performed post-war occupation duty in Austria, and commanded Land Area Salzburg and the 71st Infantry Division.

[1] His was ranked 109th of 151 students when his class graduated early in August 1917 because of the immediate need for officers as the army expanded during American entry into World War I.

[1] In addition, he was professor of military science at Rutgers University, and senior observer and advisor for the Wisconsin National Guard.

[1] At the start of World War II the Army began to create and field units of light Infantry troops designed to operate in cold weather and at high altitudes.

[1] His success at organizing this battalion and leading it during its initial training led to assignment as commander of the regiment and promotion to colonel.

[9] The 71st Division participated in the liberation of several concentration camps, including one in Austria called Gunskirchen Lager, a subcamp of the Mauthausen-Gusen facility.

[11] The 71st Division carried out occupation duties in Austria after hostilities ceased, and Rolfe commanded Land Area Salzburg.

[15] The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Onslow Sherburne Rolfe, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, A.E.F., near Fossoy, France, July 14–15, 1918.