WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) introduced the Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act, which would posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Master Sergeant Roderick “Roddie” Edmonds in recognition of his heroic actions during World War II:

“Roddie Edmonds’ bravery saved the lives of hundreds of Jewish-American soldiers during World War II, and his valor deserves official commendation,” said Senator Blackburn. “Today on Holocaust Remembrance Day, we recognize the tremendous courage of my fellow Tennessean who risked his life to protect his fellow countrymen from Nazi atrocities.” 

“Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds showed incredible courage to stand up for what’s right,” said Senator Schatz. “At a time of rising anti-Semitism, this bill honoring his bravery reminds us the power of standing together in solidarity against hate – even in the toughest moments.”

• In 1944, Roddie Edmonds was captured by Nazi forces during the Battle of the Bulge. Taken to Stalag IX-A, a notorious POW camp in Ziegenhain, Germany, Edmonds, as the senior noncommissioned officer, was responsible for 1,292 men.

• A month after his capture, he was ordered to separate the Jewish-American soldiers from the rest of the prisoners, a move that would likely result in their deaths. Defying the Nazi order, Edmonds commanded all of his men to stand together, declaring, “We are all Jews here,” when a German officer demanded to know who the Jewish soldiers were. With a gun pointed at his head, Edmonds refused to reveal their identities, stating that according to the Geneva Convention, only names, ranks, and serial numbers were required.

• His bravery saved the lives of around 200 Jewish-American soldiers. Edmonds’ actions were later recognized posthumously by Yad Vashem, which honored him as “Righteous Among the Nations,” the first member of the U.S. Armed Forces and one of only five Americans to receive this distinction. As we approach the 80^th anniversary of World War II’s conclusion and the 40^th anniversary of his passing, it’s important to remember and honor the extraordinary courage of this "ordinary" soldier who risked his life to protect his fellow Americans.

Click here for bill text.

This legislation is endorsed by Roddie Edmonds’ son, Pastor Chris Edmonds, Project Legacy, and Richard Hurowitz, Co-Chair of the Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Committee.

“With antisemitism and hatred on the rise, there’s no better time to honor my father than this year, the 80^thanniversaries of his heroic actions, the liberation of Auschwitz, and the end of World War II. Like the story of Queen Esther in the Bible, dad’s moral courage is timeless and transformative—a story for such a time as this that inspires us all.” – Pastor Chris Edmonds, CEO of Roddie’s Code and Roddie Edmonds’ Son

“With alarming studies indicating that many young people lack awareness of the Holocaust and the disturbing rise of Holocaust denial, the decision to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Rodney Edmonds becomes even more significant as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of this pivotal moment in history.” – Ezra Friedlander, Founder of Project Legacy

“Roddie Edmonds was a true American hero and a great humanitarian.  In a time of rising anti-Semitism and bigotry, it is more important than ever to honor those who risked their lives to save others at the nadir of humanity, the Holocaust.  Roddie Edmonds is unique for having rescued not only Jews, but his fellow Jewish-American soldiers, and his incredible story is an object lesson for all who wish for a peaceful and kinder world" – Richard Hurowitz, Author of In the Garden of the Righteous: The Heroes Who Risked Their Lives to Save Jews During the Holocaust and Co-Chair of the Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Committee