Distinguished Alumni
M. B. Etheredge
Awarded 1982
M. B. Etheredge is a native of Weldon, Texas, the son of Mrs. Ora R. Etheredge and the late Mode B. Etheredge. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Sam Houston in 1937. While at Sam Houston he was on the student council, captain of the track team and senior class president. He taught at Sugarland from 1937-41 and was superintendent of schools at Damon in Brazoria County in 1941-42. He volunteered for the U.S. Army in 1942, and during the next four years in Africa, Italy, and France, became one of the most decorated U.S. Soldiers of World War II. He received two battlefield promotions and was advanced in rank from second lieutenant to captain in only six days. He is one of only a few individuals to have received three silver star medals for gallantry in action. After World War II he completed his master's degree at Sam Houston in 1947. He served three terms in the Texas House of Representatives, and was chairman of the Education Committee in the Texas House. He taught at Sam Houston from 1947 until his retirement in 1979. Col. Etheredge and wife, Emma, have one daughter, Jennie who is married to Tommy Morrison.