Major General Samuel McRoberts (December 20, 1868 – September 8, 1947)[1] was an American attorney, businessman, and U.S. Army officer.

In 1917, McRoberts was one of several prominent businessmen and corporate executives whose services were requested by the government because of their expertise in manufacturing, as well as other materiel production and management skills.

McRoberts was initially commissioned as a major for service in the Ordnance Department in Washington, D.C.[3] On November 28, 1917, he was promoted to colonel and assigned as Chief of the Procurement Division.

[2] During his military service, McRoberts provided advice and guidance on site selection for factories, as well as other management functions, including finance and budgeting, design of assembly lines, and production schedules.

McRoberts remained in uniform until receiving his discharge on January 15, 1919, and was then commissioned as a brigadier general in the Officers Reserve Corps.

In recognition of his wartime contributions, McRoberts received the Distinguished Service Medal and the French Chevalier of the Legion of Honor.

[3] He remained in the active Reserve until 1938, and was frequently asked to provide advice and guidance to the United States Department of War on the production and fielding of military equipment.