James Earl
Rudder ’32
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Army Maj. Gen.
Eden, TX
Maj. Gen. James Earl Rudder was born in Eden, Texas on May 6, 1910. He received a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in Industrial Engineering in 1932.
During WWII, Rudder organized and trained the 2nd Ranger Battalion that scaled the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc during the D-Day invasion and commanded the 109th Infantry Regiment during the Battle of the Bulge.
He served as the 16th President of Texas A&M until his death. A period of unparalleled growth in enrollment, educational programs, and value of facilities for Texas A&M occurred during his service.
While President of Texas A&M, Rudder is credited for transforming the University from a small land-grant college to a renowned university. Specifically, he made membership in the Corps of Cadets optional and allowed women to attend. There are many reminders of Rudder on campus, including Rudder Tower, next to the Memorial Student Center, and a statue. Additionally, a special training unit within the Corps of Cadets known as "Rudder's Rangers" is named in his honor.
Maj. Gen. James Early Rudder passed away on March 23, 1970.
John W.
White ’32
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Air Force Maj. Gen.
Uvalde, TX
Maj. Gen. John W. White attended Texas A&M University, he was class of 1932.
He served as commander of the Air Force Special Weapons center at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.
Before his past appointment, he served as assistant for special weapons and commander of the 3079th Aviation Depot Wing in the Air Force Logistics Command at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit for his performance of duty at Iceland Defense Force.
Maj. Gen. John W. White passed away in 1992.
Robert F.
Worden ’33
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Air Force Maj. Gen.
Washington, D.C.
Maj. Gen. Robert F. Worden graduated from Texas A&M University in 1933 with a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
He was the deputy director of plans, Deputy Chief of Staff, plans and Operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. Before his previous position, General Worden served as chief of staff, U.S. Taiwan Defense Command, Taipei, Taiwan, Pacific Air Force.
Maj. Gen. Robert F. Worden passed away in 2005.
Harry H.
Critz ’34
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Army Lt. Gen.
Houston, TX
Lt. Gen. Harry H. Critz passed away in 1982.
John M.
Kenderdine ’34
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Army Brig. Gen.
Fort Worth, TX
Brig. Gen. John M. Kenderdine was born in Fort Worth, Texas on December 6, 1912. He graduated from Texas A&M in 1934 with a degree in Petroleum Engineering and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army Field Artillery Reserve. Upon graduation he went to work for Gulf Oil Corporation in Crane, TX.
In March of 1941, he was called to active duty for one year with the Quartermaster Corps to help create the first Pipeline Companies for the US Army. During the war, he served in a variety of assignments in the US and Europe. During the war he received two military patents, one for a method of shipping five gallon gasoline cans ''jerry cans'' in a collapsed state, the other for the individual, gasoline fueled cook stove that Ernie Pyle claimed was the best thing done for the average soldier during the war.
Toward the end of the war, he directed a major repair and rehabilitation program that salvaged and reconditioned several hundred million dollars worth of clothing and equipment which was either returned to Quartermaster stock or distributed to refugees in Europe. Much of the clothing and support equipment used in the early stages of the Korean War came from the material from this program.
His final military commands were in Philadelphia, when he was the only officer to command both the Defense Industrial Supply Agency and the Defense Personnel Support Center. He commanded these facilities during the early stages of the Vietnam War.
After retiring from the US Army, he was a Vice President at Scott Paper Company for three years, managing their Foam and Container Products. He returned to Fort Worth in 1972 to become the President of C.F. Adams, Inc. He retired from C.F. Adams in 1988, to have more time to travel.
Brig. Gen. John M. Kenderline passed away in 2000.
Odell M.
Conoley ’35
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Marine Corps Brig. Gen.
Point Loma, CA
Brigadier General Odell M. "Tex" Conoley, spent almost three decades in the Marine Corps and was awarded the Navy Cross for heroism during the battle of Guadalcanal in World War II.
In 1935, he graduated from the college with a bachelor's degree in science and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps two months later.
He began his military career as a company officer in the 6th Regiment. He was then transferred to the Far East and served in Shanghai, Tientsin and Peiping, China, until 1940.
He participated in various campaigns in the Pacific during World War II, beginning with Guadalcanal, where he earned the nation's second highest award for valor. He also was awarded the Silver Star at Cape Gloucester for bravery in combat.
He became a battalion commander in the 7th Regiment before he was reassigned to the operations section of the U.S. 6th Army in 1945. Subsequently, he filled the same position in the 8th Army.
In 1947, General Conoley went to Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he served for three years as Operations Officer. At that time he was a lieutenant colonel.
He attended the Army War College and later served on the staff of Marine Corps Schools in Quantico, VA. In 1954, he served as commander of his old regiment, the 7th Marines, based in Korea.
In 1961, as a brigadier general, he was transferred from his position as assistant division commander at Camp Lejeune, NC, to fill the post as deputy head of operations at NATO Headquarters in Paris, France. He served there for three years.
General Conoley was awarded the Legion of Merit for his work with NATO in the United Nations Congo airlift and the Cypress crisis in 1963.
He retired in 1964 and returned to the United States, where he grew orchids and played golf. Brig. Gen. Odell M. Conoley passed away in 1993.
Kay
Halsell II ’35
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Army Brig. Gen.
Bryan, TX
Kay Halsell II graduated from Texas A&M University in 1935 with a bachelors degree in Agricultural Engineering.
Brig. Gen. Kay Halsell II passed away in 1990.
Bruno A.
Hochmuth ’35
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Marine Corps Maj. Gen.
San Francisco, CA
Maj. Gen. Bruno Hochmuth was born on May 10, 1911 in Houston, TX. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1935 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education. He was commissioned a Marine second lieutenant in July 1935, upon resigning a U.S. Army Reserve commission.
Maj. Gen. Bruno Hochmuth traveled far and wide while in the Marine Corps. He ventured throughout the United States, China, and Japan.
Maj. Gen. Bruno Hochmuth passed away on November 18, 1967.
Raymond A.
Moore ’35
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Navy RADM
Alexandria, VA
RADM Raymond A. Moore attended Texas A&M College in 1935 and studied Engineering before leaving to join the Navy.
RADM Raymond A. Moore passed away in 1968.
Raymond L.
Murray ’35
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Marine Corps Maj. Gen.
Harlingen, TX
Maj. Gen. Raymond L. Murray, following graduation from Texas A&M University in 1935, accepted his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
He retired from active duty after 33 years of active service, a well-respected Marine who was a role model to many young officers.
His military decorations and awards include two Navy Crosses, the Army Distinguished Service Cross, four Silver Stars, two Legion of Merits, and the Purple Heart.
Maj. Gen. Raymond L. Murray passed away in 2004.
Wood B.
Kyle ’36
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Marine Corps Maj. Gen.
Carisbad, CA
Maj. Gen. Wood B. Kyle was born March 3, 1915 in Pecos, TX. In 1932, he entered Texas A & M College, where he was a member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps unit, and graduated with Military Department honors in June 1936.
He resigned his commission in the U.S. Army Infantry Reserve to accept appointment as a Marine second lieutenant, July 11, 1936.
Maj. Gen. Wood B. Kyle was promoted to major general in March 1966, and that same month reported to Vietnam as Commanding General, 3d Marine Division.
For service in this capacity, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and three personal decorations from the Vietnamese government. Detached in March 1967, he reported to Camp Pendleton, California, the following month, and assumed duty as Commanding General, 5th Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, serving in this capacity until he retired from active duty, August 31, 1968. For his service as Commanding General, 5th Marine Division, he was awarded the Legion of Merit.
Maj. Gen. Wood B. Kyle retired from active duty on August 31, 1968. He passed away in 2000.
Clifford M.
Simmang ’36
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Army Reserve Brig. Gen.
Bryan, TX
Brig. Gen. Clifford M. Simmang graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Brig. Gen. Clifford M. Simmang passed away in 1994.
Ormond R.
Simpson ’36
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Marine Corps Lt. Gen.
Bryan, TX
Lt. Gen. Ormond R. Simpson received a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1936 and was commissioned in the U.S. Marines.
He served for 37 years, serving in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, while working his way up to the rank of Lieutenant General before retiring from active duty in 1973.
In 1974, he became the Assistant Vice President for Student Services at Texas A&M University.
Lt. Gen. Ormond R. Simpson passed away in 1998.
Carter C.
Speed ’36
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Army Brig. Gen.
Sacramento, CA
Brig. Gen. Carter C. Speed graduated from Texas A&M University in 1936 with a bachelor's degree in Horticulture.
Brig Gen. Carter C. Speed passed away in 1971.
Jack T.
Brown ’37
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Army Brig. Gen.
Rockport, TX
Jack Tyre Brown was born on September 11, 1915 in Luling, Texas. He studied Agricultural Administration while at Texas A&M. He was married to Mary Kathryn Glass. He passed away on June 14, 1993 in Rockport, Texas.
Robert L.
Pou, Jr. ’37
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Army Maj. Gen.
Dallas, TX
Maj. Gen. Robert L. Pou, Jr. began his distinguished military career as a cadet in ROTC at Texas A&M University graduating in the class of 1937. After graduation, General Pou enlisted in the Texas State Guard serving from March 1, 1941 to October 15, 1941.
He was inducted into the Air Corps in 1942 and rose to the rank of staff sergeant before being commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1944. After separation from active duty, General Pou was commissioned in the Texas National Guard in 1947 where he assisted in the initial organization of the 136th Fighter Group and later the 236th Air Force Group which he commanded at the time it was mobilized for the Korean Conflict in 1950.
Maj. Gen. Robert L. Pou, Jr. retired on July 20, 1969 and passed away in 1973.
Kyle L.
Riddle ’37
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Air Force Brig. Gen.
San Antonio, TX
Brig. Gen. Kyle L. Riddle was born in Decatur, Texas, in 1913. He graduated in 1937 from Texas A&M University with a Bachelors in Agricultural Administration.
He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps Flying School at Randolph Field, Texas, in March 1938, and received his pilot wings and second lieutenant commission in the U.S. Army Air Corps Reserve at Kelly Field, Texas, in February 1939.
He was chief of staff, Headquarters Twelfth Air Force, Bergstrom Air Force Base, Austin, Texas. Previously, he served as chief of Military Assistance Advisory Group- Japan and deputy chief of staff for Operations and Training to Headquarters Tactical Air Command.
His military awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and Distinguished Unit Citation Emblem.
Brig. Gen. Kyle L. Riddle retired on March 1, 1969 and passed away on November 16, 2008.
Theodore H.
Andrews ’38
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Army Brig. Gen.
Austin, TX
Brig. Gen. Theodore H. Andrews passed away in 2002.
David L.
Hill ’38
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Army Brig. Gen.
San Antonio, TX
Everyone knew Brig. Gen. David L. Hill as "Tex".
He was born in Kwangju, Korea but raised in Texas. He attended Texas Military College and later attended Austin College, where he would graduate in 1938.
Hill earned his wings as a U.S. Naval Aviator in 1939 and joined the fleet as a Devastator torpedo bomber pilot before joining a Dauntless dive bomber squadron aboard Ranger. In 1941, he was recruited with other Navy, Army and Marine Corps pilots to join the 1st American Volunteer Group (better known by its later nickname of the Flying Tigers). He learned to fly the P-40 in the AVG training program in Burma, and did well as a fighter pilot in the 2nd Pursuit Squadron (Panda Bear) as a flight leader and then squadron commander, becoming one of the top aces under the tutelage of Claire Chennault.
He ended his military career in the Air National Guard, retiring as a Brigadier General. He was the youngest Brigadier General in the history of the Air National Guard.
His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster, Chinese Order of the Cloud and Banner 4th, 5th and 6th grades, 2-Star Wing Decorations, Chinese Victory Medal, Legion of Merit, and British Distinguished Flying Cross.
Brig. Gen. David L. Hill passed away at the age of 92 on October 11, 2007.
On November 2, 2007, the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg observed "Tex" Hill Day with speeches, patriotic music, and friends' memories of the fallen hero.
On November 2, 2008, the Air Force Heritage Flight at the Lackland Air Show in San Antonio was dedicated to Hill. It consisted of an F-22, an F-15E, an F-16C, and a P-40 like the one Hill flew with the AVG.
Robert M.
Williams ’38
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Army Brig. Gen.
Greenville, Texas
Col. Robert M. Williams was born in Greenville, Texas, on 29 November 1916. He graduated from Texas A&M College in 1938, and on 1 July 1939 was commissioned as second lieutenant in the Regular Army and assigned to the 20th Infantry at Fort Francis E. Warren, Wyoming. In August 1940, he was ordered to the Panama Canal Department and assigned to the 5th Infantry
at Camp Paraiso. While serving there he was promoted to first lieutenant and captain.
Returning to the United States in the summer of 1942, he took the New Division Course at the Command & General Staff School, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and upon graduation was ordered to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, as Headquarters Commandant of the 100th Infantry Division, soon to be activated. His promotion to major followed.
In early 1943, he was again ordered to Leavenworth, and upon graduation was assigned to the 399th Infantry, whose 3d Battalion he took over in August of that year. During January-March 1944, he attended the Canadian School of Infantry at Vernon, British Columbia. In March 1944, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. In October 1944, Colonel Williams sailed to France with the 100th Division. His battalion relieved a battalion of the 45th Division near Raon-l'Etape on 1 November 1944.
On 17 December, he was transferred to the 398th Infantry, and assumed command of the Regiment on that date. On 12 June 1945 he was promoted to colonel, and remained in command of the 398th until December 1945, the month the 100th Division left Germany for return to the United States for inactivation.
Colonel Williams' decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Col. Robert M. Williams passed away on June 19, 1985.
Clarence A.
Wilson ’38
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Army Brig. Gen.
Luling, TX
Brig. Gen. Clarence A. Wilson graduated from Texas A&M University in 1937 with a bachelor's in Industrial Engineering.
Brig. Gen. Clarence A. Wilson passed away in 1990.
O.D.
Butler, Jr. ’39
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Army Brig. Gen.
College Station, TX
Ogbourne Duke “O. D.” Butler, Jr., one of the foremost animal agriculture leaders of the 20th century, was born September 29, 1918, in Orange, Texas.
As an undergraduate, Butler was a member and leader in the TAM Corps of Cadets and received a military commission upon graduation.In 1941, after Pearl Harbor, Butler entered active military service and embarked on a long career in the military. In 1944, Butler and forces (Headquarters Company, 12th Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division)arrived at Omaha Beach on D-plus one, the day that followed the D-day invasion. Then a captain, he was in combat for nine straight months. After being wounded, he returned to the States and, upon leaving active duty, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves, in which he rose to the rank of Brigadier General in command of the 420th Engineer Brigade.
After his active military service, Butler returned to Texas A&M and served in the management of the Food Service Department. This was followed by teaching part-time and then as a full-time instructor in the Animal Husbandry Department upon completion of his M.S. degree in 1947. In 1951, he was awarded a Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship, and in 1953 he obtained his doctorate from Michigan State University in animal husbandry and food science. He returned to Texas A&M as associate professor of animal husbandry prior to being named professor and department head in 1956, a position he held for 22 years.
The O. D. Butler, Jr. Animal Science Complex was built in 1997, and dedicated to former department head, Dr. O.D. Butler in 2004. The facility is a 580-acre complex devoted to teaching, research, and Extension in animal science. The complex is located just west of the TAMU Campus on Highway 60, along the banks of the Brazos River between College Station and Snook, Texas.
Brig. Gen. O.D. Butler, Jr. retired from the military in 1977 and passed away in 1998.
Andrew W.
Rogers ’39
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Army Brig. Gen.
Wimberley, TX
Brig. Gen. Andrew W. Rogers graduated from Texas A&M University in 1939 with a bachelors degree in Civil Engineering.
Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Rogers passed away in 2008.
Andrew P.
Rollins, Jr. ’39
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Army Maj. Gen.
Portland, OR
Maj. Gen. Andrew P. Rollins, Jr. graduated from Texas A&M University in 1939 with a degree in Civil Engineering.
Maj. Gen. Andrew P. Rollins, Jr. is retired and currently resides in Portland, OR.
Woodrow W.
Vaughan ’39
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Army Lt. Gen.
Alexandria, VA
Lt. Gen. Woodrow W. Vaughan attended Texas A&M University, he is class of 1939.
He was responsible for the logistical support of American and Allied forces in China during World War II, focused on Army logistics for 35 years of his 50-year career at every level and in every functional area.
He served as a Quartermaster in research and development, procurement, supply, staff and command - from Company A in the field to Theater Headquarters, on the Army General Staff, the Joint Chiefs of Staff; the Army Materiel Command, and the Defense Supply Agency.
Lt. Gen. Woodrow W. Vaughan is retired and currently resides in Alexandria, VA.
John H.
Buckner ’40
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Air Force Maj. Gen.
San Antonio, TX
Maj. Gen. John H. Buckner was vice commander of the Twelfth Air Force (Tactical Air Command) at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas.
Maj. Gen. John H. Buckney was born in Cleburne, Texas, in 1919. He attended Texas A&M prior to entering the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y and earning his bachelor of science degree.
His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with 20 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Unit Citation Emblem with two oak leaf clusters and French Croix de Guerre. He was a command pilot.
Maj. Gen. John H. Buckner retired on November 1, 1971 and passed away on December 12, 2009.
Joe G.
Hanover ’40
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Army Brig. Gen.
Bryan, TX
Brig. Gen. Joe Hanover earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University in 1940, and went on active duty in February 1941 where he served as a motor transportation officer. By the end of WWII, he was the commanding officer of the 1268th Labor Supervision Company in France. Joe Hanover was promoted to brigadier general of the 420th Engineer Brigade in December 1966. While at Texas A&M University, he studied civil engineering.
Brig. Gen. Joe Hanover passed away May 22, 2017, at age 99.
Homer S.
Hill ’40
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Marine Corps Maj. Gen.
Solana Beach, CA
Maj. Gen. Homer S. Hill passed away in 1992.
James F.
Hollingsworth ’40
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Army Lt. Gen.
San Antonio, TX
Lt. Gen. James F. Hollingsworth received a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture in 1940 from Texas A&M University.
Hollingsworth’s 36-year military career touched the sands of North Africa, spanned the length of Europe, and contributed to the stability of a volatile situation in the Far East. Lt. Gen. Hollingsworth was assigned to Korea in 1973 and served as Commanding General of the I Corps which is the largest field army command in the world. He also served heroically under General George Patton in World War II.
By some accounts, Hollingsworth was the most decorated general officer ever to graduate from Texas A&M, with his array of medal and ribbons stemming from his combat service and command positions in Europe, Asia and elsewhere.
Lt. Gen. James F. Hollingsworth currently has a statue on campus in the Corps of Cadets quad. It stands to remember his commitment to Texas A&M University and his distinguished military service. The Hollingsworth statue bears the inscription “Danger 79er,” which was the general’s radio call sign for more than 20 years, including the time of his command in Vietnam.
His military awards and decorations include Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star and Purple Heart with five Oakleaf Clusters.
Lt. Gen. James F. Hollingsworth passed away at the age of 91 on March 2, 2010.
Herron N.
Maples ’40
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Army Lt. Gen.
Bonham, TX
Lt. Gen. Herron N. Maples graduated from Texas A&M University in 1940 with a bachelor of science in petroleum engineering.
Lt. Gen. Herron N. Maples passed away in 2006.