WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and the entire Tennessee delegation introduced legislation to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to East Tennessee native Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds, who put his life on the line to protect Jewish-American soldiers. The legislation is cosponsored by Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Representative Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives along with Congressmen Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Diana Harshbarger  (R-Tenn.), Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.), Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), and John Rose (R-Tenn.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), and Mark Green (R-Tenn.).

In December 1944, Master Sergeant (MSG) Edmonds was captured by Nazi forces and spent over 100 days in captivity at a Nazi prisoner of war camp. As the non-commissioned officer in charge, MSG Edmonds found himself responsible for 1,275 fellow captives, over 200 of whom were Jewish.

When the Germans directed Edmonds to order all Jewish-American soldiers of the camp to assemble outside of their barracks, he coordinated a mass formation. All 1,275 of his men stood outside their prison barracks in unity. Irritated by this defiance, the German Camp Commandant held MSG Edmonds at gunpoint in a coercive attempt to force him to either surrender his Jewish soldiers’ identities or his own life. Edmonds still refused to reveal their identities.

“Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds is a true American hero,” said Senator Blackburn. “Edmonds’s resiliency, courage, and leadership saved over 200 Jewish lives. There is no one more deserving of the Congressional Gold Medal than Master Sergeant Edmonds.”

“The bravery and heroism of Master Sergeant Edmonds is an inspiration to all Americans,” said Senator Hagerty. “He embodied all the characteristics of a courageous soldier and carried the tremendous spirit of a true Tennessee volunteer. I am proud to join this legislation to award Master Sergeant Edmonds the high honor of a Congressional Gold Medal.”

“Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds answered the call of duty bravely,” said Rep. DesJarlais. “Even when threatened with his own life, he was courageous enough to not waiver from his plan to outsmart German adversaries. His leadership saved the lives of over 200 Jewish soldiers. I am proud to advocate for his heroic actions to be honored with the Congressional Gold Medal.”

“Thanks to the heroic actions of Master Sergeant Edmonds, hundreds of Jewish servicemen were saved from execution by the Nazis during World War II,” said Rep. Harshbarger. “He was a great East Tennessean, and truly deserves the honor given by a Congressional Gold Medal.”

“Master Sergeant Rodrick Edmonds was an American hero who risked his life for our nation and his fellow soldiers during World War II.  While being detained in a POW camp, he exemplified incredible heroism and leadership and ultimately saved over 200 Jewish lives. Master Sergeant Edmonds deserves a Congressional Gold Medal, and I appreciate my Tennessee colleagues for coming together to introduce this important piece of legislation,” said Rep. Kustoff.

“I’m pleased to join my colleagues in honoring a great Tennessean and a great humanitarian, Roderick Edmonds. His selfless service and display of uncommon courage inspires us all,” said Rep. Cooper.

“I am glad to join my Tennessee colleagues in introducing the Master Sergeant Rodrick Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act. Master Sergeant Edmonds was taken as a prisoner of war by Nazi forces during the Battle of the Bulge, while being held at gunpoint by his captors he refused to give the names of the Jewish soldiers in his company,” Rep. Fleischmann said. “His selfless and patriotic actions saved the lives of 200 Jewish soldiers. MSG Edmonds was an American hero who embodies the very best of our nation.”

“It is a great privilege to introduce this legislation with my colleagues to award a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds to recognize his service and sacrifice to our nation,” said Rep. Rose. “In the heat of battle during WWII, Edmond served the United States with courage and distinction, and saved over 200 Jewish lives. Awarding Congress’s highest civilian honor is an appropriate way to show our gratitude for his bravery, his service, and his sacrifice.”

“The heroism of Master Sergeant Edmonds is well-known across Tennessee and in the international Jewish community,” Rep. Burchett said. “He fearlessly faced down Nazi soldiers at a German POW camp during World War II, refusing to identify his fellow Jewish servicemen when held at gunpoint. Master Sergeant Edmonds selfless courage saved lives and the Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting way to honor his legacy.”

“I’m pleased to join my colleagues in honoring a great Tennessean and a great humanitarian, Roderick Edmonds,” said Rep. Cohen. “His selfless service and display of uncommon courage inspires us all.”

“MSG Roddie Edmonds’ selfless actions saved over 200 Jewish lives during World War II. This is what it means to be a true American hero,” said Rep. Green. “It’s an honor to join the entire Tennessee delegation in posthumously awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Tennessee’s own MSG Edmonds with the Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act.”

Click here to learn more about Master Sergeant Edmonds.