Roddie Edmonds

{{Short description|American infantryman and WWII POW honored as Righteous Among the Nations}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}} {{Infobox military person | honorific_prefix = Righteous Among the Nations | name = Roddie Edmonds | honorific_suffix = | image = Roddie Edmonds from Chris Edmonds.jpg | image_upright = | alt = | caption = | native_name = | native_name_lang = | birth_name = Roderick Waring Edmonds | other_name = | nickname = | birth_date = {{birth date|1919|08|20}} | birth_place = South Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S. | death_date = {{death date and age|1985|08|08|1919|08|20}} | death_place = Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S. | burial_place = Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery, Knoxville, Tennessee | burial_label = | burial_coordinates =  | allegiance = {{flagu|United States}} | branch = United States Army | branch_label = Branch | service_years_label = | rank = Master sergeant | rank_label = | service_number = | unit = 106th Infantry Division, 422nd Infantry Regiment | commands = | battles = {{tree list}} * World War II ** Battle of the Bulge{{POW}} * Korean War {{tree list/end}} | battles_label = Conflicts | awards = Medal of Honor<br>Bronze Star Medal<br>Prisoner of War Medal | memorials = | alma_mater = | spouse =  | children = | relations = | other_work = | signature = | signature_size = | signature_alt = | website =  | module = }} {{Righteous Among the Nations}} '''Roderick 'Roddie' Waring Edmonds''' (August 20, 1919 – August 8, 1985),<ref name="ww2soldier_2015_12_21_cnn">{{cite web |last=Liebermann |first=Oren |date=December 21, 2015 |title='We are all Jews': World War II soldier saved POWs |url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/21/europe/us-pow-holocaust-hero/index.html |publisher=CNN}}</ref> was a U.S. Army infantryman renowned for his courageous stand during World War II. As the highest-ranking American non-commissioned officer captured by German forces in December 1944, Edmonds was interned at Stalag IX-A,{{Efn|Not to be confused with Stalag XI-A.}} a prisoner-of-war camp in Ziegenhain, Germany. On January 27, 1945, Edmonds refused an order by German officers to identify Jewish-American soldiers, possibly for separate execution, instead defiantly declaring that "We are all Jews here." The captors relented, sparing the lives of up to 300 Jewish-American prisoners of war.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bartrop |first=Paul R. |title=The Holocaust: An Encyclopedia and Document Collection |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2017 |isbn=978-1-4408-4084-5 |editor-last=Bartrop |editor-first=Paul R. |volume=1 |location=Santa Barbara, California |pages=181 f |chapter=Roddie Edmonds |oclc=967457463 |editor-last2=Dickerman |editor-first2=Michael}}</ref><ref name="we_are_all_jews_2016_01_27_ny_times">Julie Hirschfeld Davis, [https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/28/world/middleeast/obama-honor-americans-effort-to-save-jews-the-holocaust.html "Saying 'We Are All Jews,' Obama Honors Americans' Lifesaving Efforts in Holocaust,"] January 27, 2017, ''New York Times,'' retrieved April 12, 2018</ref>

In risking his own life to save his Jewish comrades, Edmonds' actions exemplified profound moral courage and leadership. He was posthumously recognized by Yad Vashem as "Righteous Among the Nations," the only American serviceman to receive this honor.{{Efn|The "Righteous Among the Nations" honor is an award presented to non-Jewish people by Israel for people like Edmonds that risked their lives to protect Jewish people during the Holocaust.}}{{Efn|Edmonds is the most recent American to receive the honor, and the only one to serve as an active serviceman during World War II.}} Edmonds' actions are widely recognized as sincere, highlighting the enduring power of individual conscience in the face of structural evil.<ref name="us_solider_2015_12_02_npr_org">[https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/12/02/458166709/u-s-soldier-posthumously-honored-for-protecting-jewish-pows-in-1945 "US Soldier Honored Posthumously For Protecting Jewish POWs In 1945,"] from "The Two-Way," December 2, 2015, National Public Radio, retrieved April 12, 2018</ref> President Obama praised Edmonds during a speech in 2016 at the Israeli Embassy in Washington.<ref name="we_are_all_jews_2016_01_27_ny_times2">Julie Hirschfeld Davis, [https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/28/world/middleeast/obama-honor-americans-effort-to-save-jews-the-holocaust.html "Saying 'We Are All Jews,' Obama Honors Americans' Lifesaving Efforts in Holocaust,"] January 27, 2017, ''New York Times,'' retrieved April 12, 2018</ref><ref name="knoxville_2017_02_13_commercial_appeal">Collins, Michael, USA Today Network, [https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/2017/02/13/knoxville-soldier-who-defied-nazis-nominated-congressional-gold-medal/97871366/ "Knoxville soldier who defied Nazis nominated for Congressional Gold Medal,"] February 13, 2017, ''Memphis Commercial Appeal,'' retrieved April 12, 2018</ref><ref name="solider_2017_02_15_fla_jewish_journ">Associated Press (Washington, D. C.) [http://www.sun-sentinel.com/florida-jewish-journal/jj-national-soldier-who-defied-nazis-nominated-for-congressional-medal-20170215-story.html "Soldier who defied Nazis nominated for Congressional medal,"] February 15, 2017, [Florida] ''Jewish Journal'' / ''Sun-Sentinel,'' retrieved April 12, 2018</ref> In 2026, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President of the United States Donald Trump.

== Early life and education == Roderick W. "Roddie" Edmonds was born in 1919 in South Knoxville, Tennessee, and graduated from Knoxville High in 1938. Some sources, including the 1930 Federal census and the posthumous act awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal, spell his given name "Rodrick". He had three brothers: Thomas "Shake" Edmonds Jr., Leon Edmonds, and Robert Edmonds.<ref name="knoxville_2017_02_13_commercial_appeal" /><ref name="us_solider_2015_12_02_npr_org" /><ref name="son" /> He grew up attending a Methodist church in South Knoxville.<ref name="son">{{cite news |last1=Shearer |first1=John |title=Son shares details of dad Roddie Edmonds' life following the revelation of his WWII actions |url=http://archive.knoxnews.com/entertainment/life/son-shares-details-of-dad-roddie-edmonds-life-following-the-revelation-of-his-wwii-actions-27a7fe13--363845481.html |accessdate=24 August 2020 |work=Knoxville News Sentinel |date=January 1, 2016 |language=en}}</ref> He was married three times, the first two marriages ending in divorce: Marie Solomon (1942); Pauline Flora Surratt (1948); Mary Ann Watson (1953), to whom he was married at the time of his death. He had two sons: Kim Michael and Christopher W. Edmonds.<ref>Obituary (August 9, 1985). ''Knoxville News Sentinel''. Retrieved 30 May 2022.</ref>

== Military career ==

=== World War II === At age 22, Edmonds enlisted in the Army on March 17, 1941, at Fort Oglethorpe in Georgia.<ref name="son" />

Edmonds, along with other inexperienced troops, arrived in the European Theater of Operations in December 1944, with the 106th Infantry Division, arriving only five days before Germany launched a massive counteroffensive, the Battle of the Bulge. During the battle, where much of the division was overrun, on December 19, 1944, Edmonds was captured and sent to Stalag IX-B, a German prisoner-of-war (POW) camp. Shortly thereafter, he was transferred, with other enlisted personnel, to another POW camp near Ziegenhain, Germany: Stalag IX-A. As the highest ranking soldier at the new camp, Master Sergeant Edmonds was in command, responsible for the camp's 1,275 American POWs.<ref name="us_solider_2015_12_02_npr_org" />

On their first day in Stalag IX-A, January 27, 1945—as Germany's defeat was clearly approaching—Commandant Siegmann ordered Edmonds to tell only the Jewish-American soldiers to present themselves at the next morning's assembly so they could be separated from the other prisoners.<ref name="ww2soldier_2015_12_21_cnn" /><ref name="we_are_all_jews_2016_01_27_ny_times" /><ref name="american_ww2_vet_2015_12_02_cbs">Associated Press, [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/roddie-edmonds-american-wwii-vet-first-soldier-honored-for-saving-jews/ "American WWII vet becomes first soldier honored for saving Jews,"] December 2, 2015, CBS News, retrieved April 12, 2018</ref><ref name="knoxville_2017_02_13_commercial_appeal" /><ref name="us_solider_2015_12_02_npr_org" />

Instead, Edmonds ordered all 1,275 POWs to assemble outside their barracks.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bartrop |first1=Paul R. |last2=Dickerman |first2=Michael |title=The Holocaust: An Encyclopedia and Document Collection |date=2017 |publisher=Bloomsbury |page=342 |isbn=979-8-216-09863-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=REXPEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT341 |access-date=1 September 2025}}</ref> The German commandant rushed up to Edmonds in a fury, placed his pistol against Edmonds's head and demanded that he identify the Jewish soldiers under his command. Instead, Edmonds responded, "We are all Jews here," and told the commandant that if he wanted to shoot the Jews he would have to shoot all of the prisoners. He then warned the commandant that if he harmed any of Edmonds' men, the commandant would be prosecuted for war crimes after the conflict ended—since the Geneva Conventions required prisoners to give only their name, rank, and serial number; religion was not required. The commandant backed down. Edmonds' actions are credited with saving up to 300 Jewish-American soldiers from possible death.<ref name="ww2soldier_2015_12_21_cnn" /><ref name="we_are_all_jews_2016_01_27_ny_times" /><ref name="american_ww2_vet_2015_12_02_cbs" /><ref name="knoxville_2017_02_13_commercial_appeal" /><ref name="us_solider_2015_12_02_npr_org" /> After 100 days of captivity, Edmonds returned home after the war, but kept the event at the POW camp to himself.<ref name="american_ww2_vet_2015_12_02_cbs" />

== Post-war life and death == Edmonds never told his family of the event at the POW camp. He was again recruited to service during the Korean War where he served with the 1st Cavalry Division. After returning from Korea, he worked variously for ''The Knoxville Journal'' and in sales related to mobile homes and cable television.<ref name="son" />

He died in 1985, never having received any official recognition, citation or medal for his defense of the Jewish POWs.<ref name="we_are_all_jews_2016_01_27_ny_times" /><ref name="american_ww2_vet_2015_12_02_cbs" /><ref name="knoxville_2017_02_13_commercial_appeal" /><ref name="ww2soldier_2015_12_21_cnn" /><ref name="roddie_edmonds_bio_yadvashem_org">[http://www.yadvashem.org/righteous/stories/edmonds.html Roddie Edmonds bio: "'We are all Jews',"], Yad Vashem, at yadvashem.org, retrieved April 12, 2018</ref>

== Recognition and legacy == thumb|right|Historical Marker, Knoxville, for Roddie Edmonds

After his death in 1985, Edmonds' wife gave his son, Chris Edmonds, several of the diaries his father had kept while in the POW camp. Chris Edmonds, a Baptist minister, began researching his story, and stumbled upon a mention of the event at the POW camp. He located several of the Jewish soldiers his father saved, who provided witness statements to Yad Vashem. Among the Jewish-American POW servicemen who were saved was Sonny Fox, an American television host and executive, who witnessed and later recounted Edmonds' actions.<ref name="ww2soldier_2015_12_21_cnn" /><ref name="we_are_all_jews_2016_01_27_ny_times" /><ref name="american_ww2_vet_2015_12_02_cbs" />

On 10 February 2015, Yad Vashem recognized Edmonds as "Righteous Among the Nations," Israel's highest honor for non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. The awards ceremony was held January 27, 2016, at the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., where the then-President Barack Obama praised Edmonds for action "above and beyond the call of duty," and echoed Edmonds' statement of solidarity with Jews. Chris Edmonds received the Righteous medal and certificate of honor from Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer and Yad Vashem Council Chairman Rabbi Lau on his father's behalf at the ceremony.<ref name="we_are_all_jews_2016_01_27_ny_times" /><ref name="american_ww2_vet_2015_12_02_cbs" /><ref name="ww2soldier_2015_12_21_cnn" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yadvashem.org/yv/en/righteous/stories/edmonds.asp|title=Roddie Edmonds{{snd}}The Righteous Among The Nations|publisher=Yad Vashem|access-date=September 19, 2016|archive-date=July 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160704130402/http://www.yadvashem.org/yv/en/righteous/stories/edmonds.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="solider_2017_02_15_fla_jewish_journ" /><ref name="us_solider_2015_12_02_npr_org" />

:"…Edmonds seemed like an ordinary American soldier, but he had an extraordinary sense of responsibility and dedication to his fellow human beings," Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yadvashem.org/yv/en/pressroom/pressreleases/pr_details.asp?cid=960#!prettyPhoto|title=Press Room - www.yadvashem.org|website=www.yadvashem.org|accessdate=23 August 2018}}</ref>

Chris Edmonds has sought to have his father's bravery recognized with the Medal of Honor. However, the initial U.S. Army position has been that he was a captive, and therefore ineligible because his actions were not in combat.<ref name="we_are_all_jews_2016_01_27_ny_times" /><ref name="knoxville_2017_02_13_commercial_appeal" /><ref name="ww2soldier_2015_12_21_cnn" /><ref name="hero_2017_02_13_nashville_patch">Lind, J.R. (Patch Staff), [https://patch.com/tennessee/nashville/tennessees-nazi-defying-hero-soldier-nominated-congressional-gold-medal "Tennessee's Nazi-Defying Hero Soldier Nominated For Congressional Gold Medal,"] Feb 15, 2017 (Updated Aug 14, 2017), ''Nashville Patch'' retrieved April 14, 2018</ref>

To overcome this obstacle, on March 23, 2016, in the U. S. House of Representatives, Rep. John J. Duncan Jr. (R-TN-2) introduced H.R. 4863, the "Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act" bill. The bill's original purpose was to recognize Edmonds with a Congressional Gold Medal, one of the two highest civilian awards in the United States (along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom). It was referred to the House Armed Services Committee, from where it was referred, on April 5, 2016, to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

On February 13, 2017, in the U. S. Senate, members from Edmonds's home state of Tennessee—U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Bob Corker (R-TN), joined by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Ben Cardin (D-MD)—introduced a bill to have Sergeant Edmonds honored with the Congressional Gold Medal.<ref name="knoxville_2017_02_13_commercial_appeal" /><ref name="solider_2017_02_15_fla_jewish_journ" /><ref name="hero_2017_02_13_nashville_patch" /> The effort was renewed on April 21, 2021, with US Representative Tim Burchett (TN) introducing the "Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act". A companion bill was also introduced in the US Senate.<ref name="hr4863_status_congress_gov">[https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burchett-sen-blackburn-lead-legislation-award-congressional-gold-medal "Rep. Burchett, Sen. Blackburn lead legislation to award Congressional Gold Medal to Master Sergeant Rodrick “Roddie” Edmonds"], retrieved May 13, 2021</ref>

A historical marker honoring Edmonds was placed in Knoxville, Tennessee, on November 15, 2020. It was donated by the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, with support from the Knoxville Jewish Alliance.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tucker|first=Melanie|date=November 26, 2020|title=Honoring a hero; Historical marker honors WWII soldier Edmonds who saved hundreds of lives|url=https://www.thedailytimes.com/community/honoring-a-hero-historical-marker-honors-wwii-solider-edmonds-who-saved-hundreds-of-lives/article_6de97731-f40c-50d0-a1ac-a7e1c8c81cd6.html|access-date=October 29, 2021|website=The Daily Times}}</ref>

==Medal of Honor== It was revealed on February 16, 2026 that President Donald Trump had notified Edmonds' son, Chris, he would be posthumously awarding the elder Edmonds the Medal of Honor for his actions as a POW in World War II.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/east-tennessean-set-to-be-awarded-the-medal-of-honor/51-a5f921c0-7d0e-4169-97f7-e9294dc42d24|title=East Tennessean to be awarded the Medal of Honor|accessdate=17 Feb 2026}}</ref> The medal was awarded by President Trump on March 2, 2026.<ref>https://www.tribdem.com/news/latest_news/trump-will-award-medal-of-honor-to-three-u-s-army-service-members-in-white/article_46760c2e-e917-5e48-9808-fce8cc29ac80.html</ref>

== Awards and decorations == {| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" | colspan="3" align="center" |alt=A metal device depicting a blue bar with a rifle, in front of a wreath of silver leaves.|center|254x254px |- |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Medal_of_Honor_ribbon.svg|width=106}} |{{ribbon devices|number=|type=|ribbon=Bronze Star Medal ribbon.svg|width=106px}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=POW_Medal_Ribbon.png|width=106}} |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Army Good Conduct Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=American Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=American Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}} |- |{{Ribbon devices|number=3|width=106|ribbon=European_African_Middle_Eastern_Campaign_Medal.png|type=service-star|other_device=}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=World War II Victory Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106|alt=}} |- |{{Ribbon devices|number=5|type=service-star|ribbon=Korean_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg|width=106|alt=}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=|type=|ribbon=United Nations Service Medal Korea ribbon.svg|width=106px}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=|type=|ribbon=Korean War Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106px}} |} {| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=|ribbon=U.S._Army_and_U.S._Air_Force_Presidential_Unit_Citation_ribbon.svg|width=106}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Korean Presidential Unit Citation.png|width=106}} |} {| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" !Badge | colspan="4" |Combat Infantryman Badge {{small|with star denoting 2nd award}} |- !1st row |Medal of Honor {{small|Retroactively Awarded, 2026}} | colspan="2" |Bronze Star Medal {{small|Retroactively Awarded, 1947}} |Prisoner of War Medal {{small|Retroactively Awarded, 1985}} |- !2nd row |Army Good Conduct Medal | colspan="2" |American Defense Service Medal |American Campaign Medal |- !3rd row |European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal {{small|with 3 Campaign stars}} | colspan="2" |World War II Victory Medal |National Defense Service Medal |- !4th row |Korean Service Medal {{small|with 5 Campaign stars}} | colspan="2" |United Nations Service Medal Korea |Korean War Service Medal {{small|Retroactively Awarded, 2003}} |- !Unit awards | colspan="2" |Presidential Unit Citation | colspan="2" |Korean Presidential Unit Citation |}

=== Patches === {| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" |alt=|150x150px |alt=|166x166px |} {| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" |106th Infantry Division Insignia |1st Cavalry Division Insignia |}

===Medal of Honor citation=== Edmonds' Medal of Honor citation reads: 120px|center

Rank and organization: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army. Place and date: Ziegenhain, Germany, January 27, 1945 to March 30, 1945.

'''Citation:'''

:Master Sergeant Roderick W. Edmonds distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty from January 27, 1945, to March 30, 1945, as a prisoner of war in Germany, while assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 422d Infantry Regiment, 106th Infantry Division. Upon arrival at Stalag IXA in Ziegenhain, Germany, he was soon put to the test as Senior Non-Commissioned Officer. On the evening of January 26, 1945, the Germans announced that only Jewish-American prisoners would fall out for roll call the following morning, at the threat of execution. Master Sergeant Edmonds quickly understood that segregating more than 200 Jewish-American prisoners of war would likely result in their persecution and possible death, so he directed his senior leaders to have all 1,200 American prisoners present themselves for roll call. The following morning, the Nazi Commandant became incredulous after realizing that so many Americans were standing in formation. Master Sergeant Edmonds bravely resisted his fury, while also recounting the rights afforded to all prisoners under the Geneva Convention. Still enraged, the Commandant removed his pistol, pressed it hard against Master Sergeant Edmonds’ forehead between his eyes and demanded that he order all Jewish-American prisoners to step forward, or he would be shot. With unwavering courage at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, Master Sergeant Edmonds fearlessly held his ground, refusing to concede and verbally warned the Commandant that if he executed him, he would be prosecuted for war crimes once the war was over. Finally, the Commandant, who was visibly reddened with anger, lowered his weapon and returned to his office without further attempts to segregate the Jewish-American prisoners. Master Sergeant Edmonds’ actions inspired his fellow prisoners of war. Several weeks later, in March 1945, as Allied forces were rapidly advancing toward the area, the Germans ordered all prisoners to assemble outside the barracks for evacuation farther east to another camp. Fully intending to undermine his enemy captors, Master Sergeant Edmonds ordered all American prisoners to form in front of the barracks, and when the enemy transports arrived, they would break ranks and rush back to their barracks. Without regard for his own life Master Sergeant Edmonds gallantly led these prisoners in a relentless pursuit of opposition and resistance, forcing the Germans to abandon the camp leaving the 1,200 American prisoners behind. The full extent of his bravery, unbending will, and courageous leadership would be realized when soldiers from 3d U.S. Army liberated the camp on March 30, 1945. Master Sergeant Edmonds’ conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/roderick-w-roddie-edmonds|title=Roderick W. "Roddie" Edmonds|newspaper=Congressional Medal of Honor Society|access-date=2026-03-14}}</ref>

==Notes and references== ===Notes=== {{Notelist}}

===References=== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * [http://www.roddieedmonds.com/ "Roddie Edmonds" website], developed by family. * [https://www.yadvashem.org/righteous/stories/edmonds.html The Righteous Among The Nations] Entry at Yad Vashem database * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BRknCGSsVY "Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds honored with Yehi Or Award,"] video, Nov 28, 2016, Fox News, on YouTube. * [https://www.wwiimemorial.com/Registry/plaque.aspx?honoreeID=2547415 World War II Honoree] at the NATIONAL WWII MEMORIAL, Washington, D.C.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Edmonds, Roddie}} Category:1919 births Category:1985 deaths Category:American prisoners of war in World War II Category:American Righteous Among the Nations Category:American Protestants Category:United States Army Medal of Honor recipients Category:World War II recipients of the Medal of Honor Category:Protestant Righteous Among the Nations Category:United States Army personnel of World War II Category:United States Army personnel of the Korean War Category:Military personnel from Knoxville, Tennessee Category:United States Army soldiers Category:Military personnel from Tennessee