On September 15, Principal John Cruden (Washington, DC) will receive the Judge Advocates Association’s (JAA) highest award, The Robinson O. Everett Distinguished Life Service Award, at its annual awards dinner.

The JAA, an affiliate of the American Bar Association, includes current, retired, and former active and reserve component judge advocates from all U.S. military branches. 

Before joining the DOJ Environment and Natural Resources Division, where he rose from Chief of Enforcement to Assistant Attorney General, John had a complete career in the Army JAG Corps, achieving the rank of Colonel. After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, John served in Airborne, Ranger, and Special Forces units in Germany and Vietnam. His subsequent military assignments include as a criminal prosecutor in Germany and civil trial lawyer in the Pentagon; Chief of Litigation Branch, Europe; General Counsel, Defense Nuclear Agency; Staff Judge Advocate in Germany; and Director of Administrative and Civil Law, Judge Advocate General’s School, Charlottesville, Virginia. His last assignment was as the Chief Legislative Counsel of the Army

John commented, “I am honored to receive this important award and join such an impressive group of prior recipients who served their country so admirably.”

John’s many awards for government and military service include the President Rank Award from three different Presidents, the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star.