General James Earl Rudder
historical marker
This historical marker in Austin, Travis County, commemorates General James Earl Rudder, who lived from 1910 to 1970. Rudder was a decorated United States Army major general. During World War II, as a lieutenant colonel, he commanded the 2nd Ranger Battalion. He led the assault on Pointe du Hoc during the D-Day invasion in Normandy, where his Rangers scaled 100-foot cliffs under enemy fire to destroy German gun batteries. This mission resulted in significant casualties for his battalion. He also commanded the 2nd Ranger Battalion at the Battle of the Hürtgen Forest and led actions during the Battle of the Bulge. After his military service, Rudder served as mayor of Brady, Texas, from 1946 to 1952. He was then Texas Land Commissioner from 1955 to 1958. From 1959 until his death in 1970, Rudder served as the 16th president of Texas A&M University and later as president of the Texas A&M University System. During his tenure at Texas A&M, he made membership in the Corps of Cadets optional and allowed women to attend. General James Earl Rudder's career spanned significant military leadership and transformative educational administration.