31st MEU Marine recognized as honor graduate of Career Course, giving merit to previous accomplishments

Staff Sgt. John Rudd, an explosives ordnance disposal team leader for Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, accepts a non-commissioned officer sword in recognition of his selection as honor graduate for Career Course 4-12, Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, here, June 12. This achievement is a continuation of Rudd's distinguished record, after receiving the Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device in April, for his actions in an engagement with Taliban Forces in Afghanistan. Under enemy fire, Rudd disabled an improvised explosive device and provided critical care to a wounded Afghan child during a deployment in July, 2011.