This bill authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present a Congressional Gold Medal to Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds posthumously, in recognition of his courageous actions during World War II when he saved approximately 200 Jewish-American soldiers from Nazi persecution.
Marsha Blackburn
Senator
TN
This bill authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal for Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds, posthumously recognizing his courageous actions during World War II when he saved approximately 200 Jewish-American soldiers from Nazi persecution by defying a direct order to identify them. The medal will be presented to his next of kin, and the bill also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to commemorate his heroism.
WWII Hero Roddie Edmonds to Posthumously Receive Congressional Gold Medal for Saving Jewish-American Soldiers
Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds, a World War II hero who saved approximately 200 Jewish-American soldiers from the Nazis, is set to receive a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously. The Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the creation of this prestigious award, recognizing Edmonds' incredible bravery at a German prisoner of war camp. This isn't just a symbolic gesture – it's a powerful acknowledgment of Edmonds' defiance against direct Nazi orders, a stand that saved lives.
Standing Up to Evil
The core of this bill is pretty straightforward: It's all about honoring a genuine hero. During his time as a prisoner of war in Stalag IXA, Edmonds was the highest-ranking noncommissioned officer, responsible for over 1,200 American soldiers (SEC. 2). When the Nazis demanded that all Jewish-American soldiers be identified and separated, Edmonds flatly refused. He ordered all his men to fall out, making it impossible for the Nazis to single anyone out. Faced with threats, Edmonds stood firm, citing the Geneva Convention and warning the German officer of war crimes charges (SEC. 2). This act of courage, which Edmonds never spoke of after the war, is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
The Medal and Its Meaning
The bill directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of the medal to Edmonds' next of kin, specifically naming Pastor Christopher Waring Edmonds (SEC. 3). The Treasury Secretary is tasked with designing a medal that truly captures the spirit of Edmonds' actions (SEC. 3). Think of it as a tangible piece of history, a reminder of the extraordinary courage displayed by ordinary people in the face of unimaginable evil.
But it doesn't stop there. The bill also allows for the creation of bronze duplicates of the medal, which can be sold to the public (SEC. 4). The proceeds from these sales will go back into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund (SEC. 6), essentially making the whole process self-sustaining. These duplicates, while not the actual gold medal, offer a way for people to connect with Edmonds' story and keep his memory alive. They are also classified as numismatic items (SEC. 5). The bill ensures that the funds for creating both the original gold medal and the bronze duplicates are properly managed, coming from and returning to the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund. This means no new taxes or budget allocations are needed to honor Edmonds' heroism – it's all handled within existing resources.
Roots of Resilience
The timing of this recognition is particularly significant. 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 40th anniversary of Edmonds' death (SEC. 2). This bill serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the war and the ongoing importance of standing up against hatred and injustice. It also highlights the importance of remembering not only the horrors of the Holocaust but also the acts of extraordinary bravery that shone through the darkness.