In times of war . . . in times of peace . . . in times of sweeping social change . . . a leader for all seasons . . . Whether scaling the seemingly insurmountable cliffs of Pointe du Hoc with his advance assault troops during the Normandy invasion, restoring integrity to the Texas Land Office, or overseeing transitions in an academic institution with hallowed traditions during a time of contentious cultural change, James Earl Rudder (1910–1970) forged a legacy of wartime gallantry and peacetime leadership that commands continuing respect.  Rudder: From Leader to Legend pays tribute to a man who exemplified leadership, vision, and courage. In this first comprehensive biography of James Earl Rudder, Thomas M. Hatfield has gone far beyond the usual focus on Rudder’s heroism in World War II to recreate with rich detail exciting events on battlefields and in boardrooms. He has painted a full portrait that permits a wider appreciation for every phase of Rudder’s early life, from childhood, to his storied military exploits, to his remarkable postwar achievements and far-reaching public service. Utilizing access to previously unavailable family papers, memoirs, and interviews, Hatfield has crafted an insightful and unsparing view of the man that applauds his accomplishments and reveals his foibles. Readers who know Rudder primarily through his association with Texas A&M University will be fascinated by his courageous battlefield leadership; those who previously knew only of his military reputation will enjoy learning about his distinguished record of public service. Rudder : From Leader to Legend will captivate a broad general readership, bringing to the fore a well-rounded view of this extraordinary man. Fall 2011 Military Book Club and History Book Club Selections " . . . engrossing biography . . . Hatfield has crafted a carefully researched and well-written book . . . a model of combat reporting . . . a meticulously detailed account of his subject's life."-- Journal of America's Military Past -- Russell K. Brown ― The Journal of America's Military Past Published On: 2012-02-22 " . . . intricately detailed biography . . . Hatfield's view is that Rudder was a product of his generation and his history: as a former football coach and military officer, he thought everyone should be on the team. While such inflexible leadership may not have won him praise in this case, Hatfield argues that in balance, it was the deciding factor in transforming Texas A&M."-- Southwestern Historical Quarterly -- James A. Bersen ― Southwestern Historical Quarterly “ Rudder: From Leader to Legend is a valuable read for anyone interested in command at the front.”― NYMAS Review ― The NYMAS Review Published On: 2012-10-29 "This is the extraordinary story of Earl Rudder, a man who came from nowhere to everywhere -- from small town West Texas to the greatest and deadliest battlefields of World War II, back to state politics and government, and finally, on to the mission of turning Texas A & M into a great university. Tom Hatfield tells the story superbly with the detail and compassion required to assure that Earl Rudder and this book about him will never be forgotten."--Jim Lehrer, executive editor and anchor, PBS NEWSHOUR -- Jim Lehrer "Earl Rudder was a West Texan, a war hero, and the most important president in the history of Texas A&M University. In this sterling biography, Tom Hatfield does justice to all phases of Rudder’s life and career, and reminds us how an individual with talent, perseverance and courage can place an indelible stamp on an entire generation."--H. W. Brands, author of twenty-two books, including two Pulitzer Prize finalists: Traitor to His Class: The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (2009); and The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin (2000), a New York Times bestseller -- H. W. Brands “Tom Hatfield’s scholarly biography of James Earl Rudder represents a remarkable achievement. Indefatigable in his pursuit of sources, Hatfield has provided the definitive account of Rudder’s role in preparing and leading the soldiers of the 2nd Ranger Battalion in their audacious assault against the Pointe du Hoc battery on D-Day, a feat for which Rudder and his men deservedly became famous. But the author has done much more than this. Not only does he cast new light on several important events during the European campaign of 1944-5, but he also tells us much about how leaders of the best kind are formed, and how some of the skills demanded in war can be used or adapted to meet the challenges of public service in times of peace. Having read this book, it is difficult to escape the conclusion that Earl Rudder was far too modest a man ever to have contemplated telling his own life story, regardless of its significance or the lessons that it might offer. Tom Hatfield is therefore to be congratulated for doing so on his behalf, and for presenting a compas