Moskowitz Leads Bill to Honor WWII Veteran Roddie Edmonds with Congress’s Highest Civilian Honor

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressmen Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) and Tim Burchett (TN-02) this week introduced bipartisan legislation (the Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act) to posthumously bestow the Congressional Gold Medal on Master Sergeant Roderick “Roddie” Edmonds.

“During a period of darkness, hatred, and vile antisemitism, Roddie Edmonds showed unmatched bravery and solidarity,” said Congressman Moskowitz. “His decision to stand by his fellow soldiers against the atrocities of Nazi Germany saved hundreds of Jewish American lives, and Congress can’t let that be forgotten. By honoring Roddie with this Congressional Gold Medal, we will stand with a humble American hero and ensure that his legacy of moral fortitude lives on.”

“Roddie Edmonds showed incredible bravery that should make every American proud,” said Congressman Burchett. “He fearlessly faced down Nazi soldiers during World War II and saved hundreds of Jewish lives when he refused to turn in his fellow Jewish servicemembers, even at gunpoint. This Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting way to honor his legacy.”

Edmonds served in the U.S. Army’s 422^nd Infantry Regiment during World War II. While fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, he was captured by Nazi forces and detained alongside more than 1,200 Americans in Stalag IX-A, a prisoner of war camp in Ziegenhain, Germany. Forces there commanded Edmonds to separate Jewish American soldiers from their fellow POWs, but Edmonds defied orders and refused at gunpoint to do so. His decision saved approximately 200 Jewish American lives.

Since Edmonds’ death in 1985, Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem, posthumously recognized him as “Righteous Among the Nations,” one of just five Americans to be deemed so.

The Congressional Gold Medal, the U.S. Congress’ highest civilian award, recognizes national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. Recent recipients from the 118^th Congress include Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley; the U.S. Army “Dustoff” Helicopter Crews of the Vietnam War; Billie Jean King; Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust; former Rep. Shirley Chisholm; and Navy Commander Everett Alvarez.

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