Iwo Jima: James Rudder

Pointe Due Hoc was an important spot on Iwo Jima because it had a steep cliff that could be used to attack distant battle ships. The Germans had it with 6 guns. That is, until Lieutenant Colonel James Rudder (Medal of Honor recipient) came and took it with his Rangers on D-Day (June 6^th, 1944). Rudder had 225 men to take Pointe Due Hoc. He had 90 left after the battle. He had been training with them for 2 years. Now on this day, 135 died, some by friendly fire.  Rudder himself was wounded 3 times. He knew their weaknesses and strengths. One German sniper, alone, killed 5 or 6 of Rudder’s men.