SGT William Patrick Rudd

The Madisonville 1-mile walk/fun run is dedicated to the memory of Patrick Rudd.

"If you didn't know him, you really missed out."
"That man's laugh would make your day better."
"One of the best people I've ever known."
"He had an intoxicating laugh that would take over the place."

All things true about Patrick, and all the things we miss.

While on his eighth tour of duty, SGT William Patrick Rudd, of Madidonville, Kentucky, was killed in action on October 5, 2008 in Mosul, Iraq during a ground assault raid in which U.S. Forces killed the No. 2 leader of al-Qaida in Iraq. SGT Rudd completed over 800 combat missions before being KIA.

Known to some as Patrick, others as “Patch” and to his battle buddies as “Ricky,” SGT Rudd is a hero to us all. He lived – and ultimately died – by the Ranger motto: Rangers Lead The Way. SGT Rudd was a son, a brother, a friend, an exemplary Ranger, and he will forever be our hero.

Hopkins County, Kentucky native, SGT William Patrick Rudd was killed on October 5, 2008 by small arms fire while conducting combat operations in Mosul, Iraq. Rudd was assigned as a team leader to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, GA. William, known to his peers by the name Ricky, enlisted in the Army on October 2, 2003 and was a dedicated Army Ranger. Sergeant Rudd completed numerous military leadership schools as well as Airborne and Jumpmaster training and Ranger school. He served 2 tours in Afghanistan and 5 tours in Iraq. For his service, Sergeant Rudd was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

A 1999 graduate of Madisonville-North Hopkins High School, Patrick Rudd is remembered by his comrades as a great Ranger. Fellow Ranger, Sergeant Mark Williams, remembers that “Anything he did, he did with excellence.”