Elite Force - 12in Rudy Boesch

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Elite Force - 12in Rudy Boesch:

Rudy Boesch, the crusty former star of CBS television's Survivor, is wearing a smile befitting any proud Navy SEAL as a result of the new "Rudy'' action figure.

The 12-inch collectible figure is a new addition to the company's Elite Force Military Figures from History Collection. The attention to even the smallest details of the action figures is painstakingly accurate. Each character in the line comes complete with die-cast metal weapons and wearing current issue uniforms.

"Rudy became a hero long before his days on any TV series, says Michael Murphy, new business development for Blue Box Toys. ''He's a highly decorated member of the military and that's the characterization we've depicted. He's dedicated his life to the SEALs and is a perfect representative of his branch of service as well as the bbi line."

As for the no-nonsense real Rudy, he's delighted with the recognition of his days in the military. "I'm one of those people who has always loved my job,'' says the 72-year-old retired SEAL turned Survivor. "Sounds corny, but it's true.''

Rudy joined the Navy in April of 1945 and immediately volunteered for "secret and hazardous duty'' before becoming a member of the Underwater Demolition Team (UDT).

A proficient combat swimmer and expert in small-boat operations, Rudy was a member of the original SEAL (Sea-Air-Land) Team and completed two combat deployments to Vietnam. In the 1980's, Rudy became the Naval Special Warfare Community ``Bull Frog,'' an award presented to the SEAL serving the longest time on active duty.

Among his numerous awards, Rudy earned the Bronze Star Medal for heroic action during more than 45 combat operations. "Now that's a man that bbi can get behind,'' says Murphy.