Scope and Contents

Bryan Rudy's DD-214, Aeronautical Charts of Vietnam, Navy flight suit and helmet, squadron patches, Vietnam Service Medal, DVD and books that document Bryan Rudy's 20 years of service in the United States Navy.

Biographical / Historical

Bryan Rudy was born in 1928 in Minnesota. In 1946, Rudy volunteered for the United States Navy, serving two years at the University of Minnesota, followed by two years of flight training. He was then commissioned in June 1950, beginning his 20 years of commissioned service in the Navy. Two years of this time Rudy was deployed in Southeast Asia. In 1965, he served a total of nine months on the USS Bon Homme Richard as a chief optical man. In 1969 through 1970, Rudy then served on the USS Oriskany as an air boss. Throughout this time, he was promoted from Lieutenant Commander to Commander and was involved in various air strikes on North Vietnam. Before retiring in August 1970 as a Commander, Rudy received the following medals and awards: Bronze Star, Air Medal (3), Navy Commendation Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, plus many unit awards. After his service, Rudy attended the University of Texas Law School, was admitted to the BAR in 1973, had his own practice for six years, and then became Associate District Judge in Travis County from 1979 through 1991. He is not currently a member of any Vietnam Veteran Associations.