James Earl Rudder
James Earl Rudder | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 6, 1910 Eden, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | March 23, 1970 (aged 59) Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1932–1967 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Service number | 0-294916 |
| Unit | Infantry Branch |
| Commands | 90th Infantry Division 109th Infantry Regiment Provisional Ranger Group 2nd Ranger Battalion |
| Battles / wars | World War II
|
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal (2) |
| Alma mater | A&M College of Texas |
| 21st Texas Land Commissioner | |
| In office 1955–1958 | |
| Preceded by | Bascom Giles |
| Succeeded by | Bill Allcorn |
| 16th President of Texas A&M University | |
| In office July 1, 1959 – March 23, 1970 | |
| Preceded by | Marion Thomas Harrington |
| Succeeded by | Alvin Roubal Luedecke (Acting) |
James Earl Rudder (May 6, 1910 – March 23, 1970) was a United States Army major general. As a lieutenant colonel, he commanded the historic Pointe du Hoc battle during the Invasion of Normandy. He also commanded the 2nd Ranger Battalion at the Battle of the Hürtgen Forest, and led a series of delaying actions and ambushes during the Battle of the Bulge. General Rudder also at various times served as Texas Land Commissioner, the 16th president of Texas A&M University, third president of the Texas A&M University System, mayor of Brady, Texas, and a high school and college teacher and coach. Rudder went by his middle name.