South Knoxville WWII Veteran to Receive Medal of Honor

Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds shielded Jewish GIs from Nazis, finally recognized decades later

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds, a South Knoxville native who stood up to a Nazi officer to protect Jewish American prisoners during World War II, is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously. Congress has cleared the way for the president to award the medal, capping decades of work by Edmonds' family and veterans to see his heroic actions formally recognized.

Why it matters

Edmonds' courageous stand to shield his fellow Jewish soldiers from Nazi persecution is a powerful example of moral courage in the face of evil. His story serves as an important reminder of the sacrifices made by American troops during WWII and the ongoing need to honor those who risked their lives to defend human dignity.

The details

On January 27, 1945, Edmonds ordered more than 1,200 American POWs to form up together rather than separate out the Jewish men among them. When a German officer demanded the Jewish prisoners, Edmonds replied, "We are all Jews here," and refused to single anyone out. Eyewitness accounts and archival records document this episode, which was profiled in national outlets like Time magazine.

  • On January 27, 1945, Edmonds protected Jewish POWs from the Nazis.
  • Congress recently cleared the way for Edmonds to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously.

The players

Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds

A South Knoxville native who shielded Jewish American prisoners from the Nazis during World War II, saving an estimated 200 men from persecution.

Chris Edmonds

The son of Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds, who has pushed for years to see his father's heroic actions formally recognized.

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What they’re saying

“We are all Jews here.”

— Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds (Time* magazine)

What’s next

The White House is expected to announce details about the Medal of Honor presentation ceremony for Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Edmonds' courageous stand to protect his fellow Jewish soldiers from the Nazis is a powerful testament to the moral courage and sacrifice of American troops during World War II. His story serves as an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference in the face of great evil.