Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act

Senate Bill

S. 262

119th Congress

Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 3, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Tina Flint Smith

Senator

Democratic

MN

Cosponsors

7

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Summary

This bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds for his heroic actions during World War II. Edmonds famously refused Nazi orders to identify Jewish American prisoners of war, saving an estimated 200 Jewish soldiers from potential death.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds for his heroic actions during World War II. Edmonds famously refused Nazi orders to identify Jewish American prisoners of war, saving an estimated 200 Jewish soldiers from potential death.

Last updated: 1/6/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Roddie Edmonds in recognition of his achievements and heroic actions during World War II.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Awards Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Roddie Edmonds
Recognizes heroism as a POW during World War II
Honors his refusal to identify Jewish American soldiers to Nazis
Edmonds saved approximately 200 Jewish prisoners of war
Highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

The Edmonds family would receive formal recognition of his extraordinary bravery. This honor educates the public about a lesser-known World War II hero who risked his life to protect fellow soldiers. It sets an example of moral courage for future generations.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Subjects

Conflicts and wars

Congressional tributes

Military history

Military personnel and dependents

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

262, 119th Congress (2025). "Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-262