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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Earl Rudder (ASN: 0-294916), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Force “A”, 2d Ranger Battalion, Provisional Ranger Group (Separate), in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Rudder, commanding Force “A” of the Rangers, landed on the beach with his unit which was immediately subjected to heavy rifle, machine gun, mortar and artillery fire. Devastating fire was also directed from the cliffs overlooking the beach. Completely disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant Colonel Rudder immediately scaled the cliffs in order to better direct the attack. By his determined leadership and dauntlessness he inspired his men so that they successfully withstood three enemy counterattacks. Though wounded again he still refused to be evacuated. Lieutenant Colonel Rudder’s heroic leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    109th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    28th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 16 – 27, 1944
    Headquarters, 28th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 10 (February 2, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Earl Rudder (ASN: 0-294916), United States Army, for gallantry in action while Commanding the 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy from 16 to 27 December 1944, in Germany. Lieutenant Colonel Rudder’s regiment was attacked by vastly superior numbers of enemy forces on extended positions held in the vicinity of Bastendorf, Vianden, and Brandenburg, Germany. Lieutenant Colonel Rudder, as Regimental Commander, quickly estimated the difficult situation at the beginning of the attack. Through the skillful handling of his troops he was able to direct numerous counter-thrusts against the forceful attacking enemy. At great personal risk to himself, Lieutenant Colonel Rudder also made frequent trips to subordinate units, through enemy-infiltrated territory and under heavy enemy artillery fire. After assigning new and more advantageous defensive positions to his Combat Team, Lieutenant Colonel Rudder directed, during heavy enemy shelling, the destruction of bridges in the path of the enemy after his troops had passed over them. His outstanding tactical ability permitted his Regiment to inflict high casualties on the enemy with a minimum loss to his own troops. During this action, he is also credited with stopping an enemy offensive that threatened a large area to the south and west of his defensive positions. By his gallant and skillful leadership, Lieutenant Colonel Rudder reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    90th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 1954 – June 1967
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 38 (September 18, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General James Earl Rudder (ASN: 0-294916), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, as Commanding General, 90th Infantry Division, Austin, Texas, during the period from December 1954 to June 1967. Under his inspirational leadership, the 90th Infantry Division accomplished assigned missions in an outstanding manner and attained paramount standards of morale and es sprit de corps. General Rudder’s civilian occupation as President of Texas A & M College, College Station, Texas, the largest college Reserve Officers Training Corps unit in Continental United States, added much prestige to the Army ROTC program as a whole due to the high esteem in which he is held throughout Texas and the Southwest. This prestige intensified an effective promotion of public relations for the Army Reserve. General Rudder’s administrative influence was felt throughout his dispersed division even to the smallest unit. His skillful management consistently produced high quality performance both in Reserve training activities and during the Division’s Annual Active Duty Training. As Deputy Commanding General for Mobilization, USCONARC, General Rudder’s knowledge of the status of Reserve training and his grasp of the problems incident to Mobilization activities contributed materially to the success of the Army Reserve program. His intense interest in Reserve affairs and his unyielding efforts on behalf of the Army Reserve program have served to ensure a place of prominence for the Army Reserve in the Armed Forces structure of the United States. Major General Rudder’s distinguished performance of duty throughout this period represents outstanding achievement in the most cherished and honored traditions of the United States Army and reflects utmost credit upon himself and the military service.