Texans Stand Up for America During WWII

On this, the 72nd Anniversary of D-Day, you should know how much Texas stood up for our freedom.

It was called a "cowardly Japanese attack". That of course being the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The event that catapulted America into World War II. Our own governor at the

time, Coke R. Stevenson, was a supporter of the war effort. And, he predicted that Texans would step up for their country. He was correct. At the time Texas had 5 percent of the population of America, but it provided 7 percent of those who served in the arm forces.

James Earl Rudder, from Eden Texas, was the commander of the Second Ranger Battalion at D-Day.  His Rudder's Rangers stormed the beach at Pointe du Hoc. They miraculously scaled 100 ft cliffs, under constant enemy fire, to destroy German gun batteries.

Rudder ended up being one of the most decorated soldiers of the war. He won the Distinguished Service Cross, Legion of Merit, Silver Star, French Legion of Honor with croix de guerre and palm, plus others.

In fact Texans were awarded a lot for individual achievement during the war. Thirty-three Texans ended up winning the highest award, the Medal of Honor. Biggest name of that group was LT. Audie L. Murphy of Farmersville. Audie ended up being the most highly decorated American in the war.

While Commander Samuel D. Dealy, from Dallas, also received the Medal of Honor, and was the most decorated man in the U.S. Navy.

In the end more than 150 Generals, also 12 admirals were either native Texans, or residents of Texas including Dwight D. Eisenhower and Chester W. Nimitz.