KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett is leading congressional efforts to honor a Knoxville soldier and prisoner of war who stood up to the Nazis in World War II.
Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds grew up in a devoutly Christian household in South Knoxville before going to fight in the war. He ended up being captured after fighting in the brutal Battle of the Bulge in December 1944.
As a prisoner, he still managed to save the lives of around 200 soldiers. Nazi prison guards ordered all Jewish troops to fall out separately one day, almost certainly leading them to their death. Yet, Edmonds told his captors, "we are all Jews here."
The guards eventually backed down, according to witnesses of the incident.
On Thursday, Burchett introduced the Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act. It would award him what is Congress's highest expression of appreciation.
Burchett said in a release Thursday that Edmonds was fearless and selfless. The medal is a "fitting way to honor his legacy."
The other members of the Tennessee delegation joined Burchett in endorsing the medal for Edmonds. That includes Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, who have introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
"I am honored to sponsor that legislation to give him what he deserves all these years later," said Representative Diana Harshbarger.
Said U.S. Rep. Mark Green: "This is what it means to be a true American hero."
"I’m pleased to join my friend Tim Burchett in honoring a great Tennessean and a great humanitarian, Roderick Edmonds. His selfless service and display of uncommon courage inspires us all," Rep. Steve Cohen said in the release.
Edmonds did not speak publicly about his heroics, and his son only found out about it in the years following his death in 1985. Jewish soldiers shared and confirmed the story.
A plaque installed last year near Market Square honors his bravery.