RUDDER MIDDLE SCHOOL
After graduation from Texas A & M University, James Earl Rudder (1919–1970) was a high school football coach and teacher, but his career was interrupted by World War II. He recruited, trained, and commanded the 2nd Ranger Battalion, who were assigned the task of scaling 100-foot cliffs at the Pointe du Hoc overlooking the beaches of Normandy to take out what were thought to be critical German gun batteries. After sustaining nearly 50% casualties, the rangers reached the top of the cliffs to discover that the concrete bunkers were empty. The Germans had moved five 105 mm howitzers inland and had them lined up to fire on the landing beaches. Finding the guns well camouflaged in an apple orchard, the rangers rendered them inoperable with lignite grenades. Although wounded twice, Rudder continued to lead troops including a regiment in the Battle of the Bulge, and became one of the most decorated soldiers of the war. He returned home and served as mayor of Brady for six years. In 1959 he became president of his alma mater.
