James Earl Rudder | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | May 6, 1910 Eden, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | March 23, 1970 (aged 59) Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | U.S. Army |
| Years of service | 1941–1967 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Battles / wars | World War II
|
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal (2) |
| 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 US troops 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.