Gilbert T. Rude (1881-1962) was a career scientist with the U.S. Coast &
Geodetic Survey, a navigational officer with the Navy during World War I, and a prolific inventor. He patented a star finder suitable for navigational use in
1921. Modified versions of this simple device were purchased by the Navy and
issued to all naval vessels.
Ref: "Captain Rude, Naval Inventor," Washington Post (5 December 1962), p. B13.
G. T. Rude, "Star Finder and Identifier," U.S. patent #1,401,446.
