Knox Times

U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett from Tennessee has reintroduced the Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act, with Rep. Jared Moskowitz of Florida co-leading the initiative. The bill aims to honor Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds for his bravery during World War II.

"Roddie Edmonds showed incredible bravery that should make every American proud," stated Rep. Burchett. He highlighted Edmonds' courageous act of defying Nazi soldiers to protect Jewish servicemembers during the war, a decision that saved hundreds of lives.

Rep. Moskowitz emphasized Edmonds' heroism, stating, "During a period of darkness, hatred and vile antisemitism, Roddie Edmonds showed unmatched bravery and solidarity." He stressed the importance of honoring Edmonds to ensure his legacy is remembered.

Edmonds was captured by German forces during the Battle of the Bulge and spent 100 days as a prisoner of war. When ordered at gunpoint to identify Jewish soldiers in his company, he refused by declaring, "We are all Jews here," ultimately saving over 200 Jewish soldiers.

Posthumously recognized as "Righteous Among the Nations" by Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, Edmonds is one of only five Americans to receive this distinction.

Ezra Friedlander from Project Legacy remarked on the significance of awarding the medal amid rising Holocaust denial: "With alarming studies indicating that many young people lack awareness...the decision becomes even more significant."

Pastor Chris Edmonds expressed pride in his father's actions: "With antisemitism and hatred on the rise...dad's moral courage is timeless and transformative."

Richard Hurowitz praised Edmonds as a humanitarian: "Roddie Edmonds was a true American hero...his incredible story is an abject lesson for all who wish for a peaceful and kinder world."