This bill would award a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to Master Sergeant Roderick “Roddie” Edmonds. The bill describes Edmonds’ service in World War II, his capture during the Battle of the Bulge, and his actions while held at Stalag IX-A. As the senior noncommissioned officer responsible for 1,292 prisoners, Edmonds ordered all men to fall out rather than identify Jewish-American soldiers and reportedly said, “We are all Jews here.” The bill says his action saved about 200 Jewish-American soldiers. The Treasury would strike a gold medal, and the medal would be presented to Edmonds’ son, Pastor Christopher Waring Edmonds, or the next of kin. The bill also allows the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates to cover costs and classifies the medals as national and numismatic items under title 31.
If this bill becomes law, Congress would officially honor Roddie Edmonds with a Congressional Gold Medal for his World War II actions. The medal would be created by the Treasury and given to his family. Bronze duplicates may be made and sold. There are no changes to veterans’ benefits, military rules, or other programs in the text of the bill.
No publicly available information on estimated federal costs. The bill directs the Treasury to strike the gold medal and allows the sale of bronze duplicates ‘‘at a price sufficient to cover the cost thereof, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and overhead expenses.’’ The bill includes no appropriation or cost estimate.
Supporters say Edmonds showed courage and leadership by refusing to identify Jewish soldiers and by protecting fellow prisoners at great personal risk. The bill notes his recognition by Yad Vashem as “Righteous Among the Nations,” his return from captivity, and later service in Korea. Sponsors present the medal as a way for Congress to honor Edmonds’ heroic actions and moral example.
No publicly available information.