James Earl Rudder

James Earl Rudder
Born	(1910-05-06)May 6, 1910 Eden, Texas, U.S.
Died	March 23, 1970(1970-03-23) (aged 59) Houston, Texas, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	U.S. Army
Years of service	1941–1967
Rank	Major General
Battles/wars	World War II D-Day Ranger assault at Pointe du hoc Battle of Hürtgenwald Battle of the Bulge Cold War
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. He was a Freemason, and a member of Parsons Lodge No. 222 in downtown Austin, Texas.