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 |
| Service years | 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 |
| Conflicts | 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 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.