James E. Rudder | |
|---|---|
 Rudder as 90th Infantry Division commander c. 1955–1967 | |
| Nickname(s) | Earl |
| Born | 6 May 1910 Eden, Texas, United States |
| Died | 23 March 1970 (aged 59) Houston, Texas, United States |
| Buried | College Station Cemetery, Texas, United States 30°36′15″N 96°18′28″W / 30.604179°N 96.307775°W |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1932–1967 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Service number | 0-294916 |
| Unit |  Infantry Branch |
| Commands | |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal (2) |
| Alma mater | |
| Spouse(s) |
Margaret Williamson
(m. 1936–1970) |
| Children | 5 |
| Other work |
|
James Earl Rudder (6 May 1910 – 23 March 1970) was a major general in the United States Army who commanded the Provisional Ranger Group during the Invasion of Normandy in World War II. He later commanded the 109th Infantry Regiment during the Battle of the Bulge and the 90th Infantry Division from 1954 to 1967.
A native of Eden, Texas, Rudder worked as a clerk until he was recruited to play football at John Tarleton Agricultural College.
After three years at Tarleton, Rudder transferred to the A&M College of Texas in College Station, Texas.
With the outbreak of World War II
After returning from the war, Rudder was elected mayor of Brady, Texas
Early life
editRudder was born in Eden, Texas on 6 May 1910, the son of
John Tarleton Agricultural College
editA&M College of Texas
editEarly career
editCoaching career
editWorld War II
edit2nd Infantry Division
edit83rd Infantry Division
edit
Major General Frank W. Milburn and his chief of staff, Colonel Rinaldo Van Brunt
2nd Ranger Battalion
editEngland
editMax F. Schneider. Gerald W. Heaney. Jim Dan Hill.
Pointe du Hoc
editNormandy
editHürtgen Forest
edit109th Infantry Regiment
editBattle of the Bulge
editExecution of Eddie Slovik
editColmar Pocket
editEnd of the war
editContinued career
editPolitical career
editMayor of Brady, Texas
editReturn to Normandy
editAssociation with Lyndon Johnson
editTexas Land Office Commissioner
editUnited States Army Reserve
edit90th Infantry Division
editLater career
editReturn to Texas A&M University
editPresidency of Texas A&M
editDeath and burial
editLegacy
editMajor General James Earl Rudder Medal
editFamily
editMargret Rudder
editChildren
editAwards
editDistinguished Service Cross citation
editThe President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Earl Rudder (ASN: 0-294916), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Force “A”, 2d Ranger Battalion, Provisional Ranger Group (Separate), in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Rudder, commanding Force “A” of the Rangers, landed on the beach with his unit which was immediately subjected to heavy rifle, machine gun, mortar and artillery fire. Devastating fire was also directed from the cliffs overlooking the beach. Completely disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant Colonel Rudder immediately scaled the cliffs in order to better direct the attack. By his determined leadership and dauntlessness he inspired his men so that they successfully withstood three enemy counterattacks. Though wounded again he still refused to be evacuated. Lieutenant Colonel Rudder’s heroic leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Service: United States Army Rank: Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Battalion: 2nd Ranger Battalion Regiment: Provisional Ranger Group (Separate) Action Date: 6 June 1944 Orders: Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 28 [3]
Silver Star citation
editEffective dates of promotion
editRudder's effective dates of promotion were:
- Second Lieutenant, (Organized Reserve Corps), 28 May 1932 [4]
- First Lieutenant, (Army of the United States), 18 June 1941 [5]
- Captain, (Army of the United States), 19 June 1941 [5]
- Major, (Army of the United States), 27 November 1942 [6]
- Lieutenant Colonel, (Army of the United States), 3 November 1943 [7]
- Colonel, (Army of the United States), 16 February 1945 [8]
- Brigadier General, (United States Army Reserve) , 8 December 1954 [9]
- Major General, (United States Army Reserve), 5 May 1957 [10]
- Major General, (retired), 12 July 1967 [11]
Works by Rudder
editReferences
edit- ^ The Battalion 1960, p. 5.
- ^ Heathman 2017.
- ^ Hatfield 2011, p. 419.
- ^ Hatfield 2011, p. 50.
- ^ a b Hatfield 2011, p. 69.
- ^ Hatfield 2011, p. 72.
- ^ Hatfield 2011, p. 405.
- ^ Hatfield 2011, p. 435.
- ^ Hatfield 2011, p. 439.
- ^ Hatfield 2011, p. 301.
- ^ Hatfield 2011, p. 375.
Sources
editBooks
edit- Hatfield, Thomas M. (2011). Rudder: From Leader to Legend. Texas A&M University Press. ISBN 9781603442626.
Internet
edit- Grove, Adam R. (21 May 2015). "Re-forging the Iron Division: The Reconstitution of the 28th Infantry Division between the Hürtgen and the Ardennes" (PDF). Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) - Heathman, Claire (23 March 2017). "Gen. James Earl Rudder led Texas A&M through immense change and growth". Bryan, Texas. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
Magazines
editNewspapers
edit- "A&M's President Upholds Aggie Traditions Of Soldier, Statesman, Knightly Gentleman" (PDF). The Battalion. College Station, Texas: Texas A&M Student Media. 25 March 1960. p. 5. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)