James Earl Rudder

James Earl Rudder
Born(1910-05-06)May 6, 1910
Eden, Texas, U.S.
DiedMarch 23, 1970(1970-03-23) (aged 59)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branchU.S. Army
Years of service1941–1967
RankMajor General
Battles / warsWorld War II Cold War
AwardsDistinguished 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 byMarion Thomas Harrington
Succeeded byAlvin 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.