Brownwood in Brown County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Major General "Earl" Rudder

Pointe du Hoc - D Day

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

1. Major General "Earl" Rudder Marker

Inscription. James Earl Rudder was born on 6 May 1910 and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1932. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Reserve. In 1933, he worked as a football coach and teacher at Brady High School. He was called to active duty in 1941. In 1943, as a Lieutenant Colonel (LTC), he became the commander and trainer of the Second Ranger Battalion, "Rudder's Rangers". On 6 June 1944, LTC Rudder led the 225 man strong Second Ranger Battalion in one of the greatest events on D Day, the largest amphibious assault in history. "Rudder's Rangers" stormed the beach at Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France and scaled 100 foot high cliffs under heavy enemy fire to reach and destroy Nazi gun batteries. Pointe du Hoc was strategic and held huge Nazi cannons that could devastate Allied troops and ships as far as 14 miles away and cause the Allied defeat at Normandy. It took two days before "Rudder's rangers" successfully secured Pointe du Hoc, which was between Omaha and Utah beaches. The Second Ranger Battalion suffered more than 50% casualties, and LTC Rudder was wounded twice. Against all odds, they prevailed and

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helped change the course of World War II. Earl Rudder also saw key service in the Battle of the Bulge. He was promoted to Major General in 1957. Honors included the Distinguished Service Cross (the second highest award for valor), Legion of Merit, Silver Star, French Legion of Honor with Croix de Guerre and Palm, and many more. Earl Rudder was mayor of Brady from 1946 until 1952. He was elected Texas Land Commissioner in 1956. In 1959, he became President of Texas A&M and became president of the entire Texas A&M system in 1965. With Earl Rudder's leadership and vision, Texas A&M became the prestigious world-class university it is today. In 1967, he received the United States Distinguished Service Medal from fellow Texan, President Lyndon Johnson. He died on 23 March 1970. "In all that he did, he demonstrated uncommon ability to inspire men, and lead them to exceptional achievement!"

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is June 6, 1944.

Location. 31° 40.674′ N, 98° 59.513′ W. Marker is in Brownwood, Texas, in Brown County. It is on Crockett Drive south of Memorial

The Major General "Earl" Rudder Marker Is the middle marker in the group image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

2. The Major General "Earl" Rudder Marker Is the middle marker in the group

Park Drive, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located at the northwest section of the Camp Bowie Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2710 Crockett Dr, Brownwood TX 76801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lieutenant General James "Terry" Scott (here, next to this marker); Brigadier General Stephen D. Korenek (here, next to this marker); Rear Admiral Jeffrey A Lemmons (here, next to this marker); First Over Berlin (here, next to this marker); Brigadier General Dan L Locker (here, next to this marker); John Anderson Moore (a few steps from this marker); Lieutenant Colonel Robert R. (Bob) Turner (a few steps from this marker); Isham A Smith-Scott Brothers American Legion Post 196

Public Domain - US Army

3. Major General "Earl" Rudder Marker

(a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownwood.

Also see . . . James Earl Rudder. Wikipedia

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.

(Submitted on June 7, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 541 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 7, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.