William Samuel Waithman Ruschenberger (4 September 1807 in Cumberland County, New Jersey – 24 March 1895 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was a surgeon for the United States Navy, a naturalist, and a writer.

After attending schools in Philadelphia and New York Ruschenberger entered the United States Navy with the rank of surgeon's mate, on 10 August 1826.

[1] He also served as a member of the Board of Appointments whose purpose was to form rules and plans for the United States Naval Academy.

[4] He also published numerous articles on naval rank and organization (1845–1850), and contributed papers to medical and scientific journals.

With regard to the opening of Thailand–United States relations, the accounts of Dr. Ruschenberger and Mr. Roberts were collected, edited and re-published as Two Yankee Diplomats In 1830s Siam.