Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2]
- Committees
- Financial Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 4, 2025
Bottom line
This bill honors Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds with a Congressional Gold Medal for his courageous actions protecting Jewish-American soldiers during his captivity in a World War II prisoner of war camp.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Master Sergeant Roderick "Roddie" Edmonds in recognition of his heroic actions during World War II. It details his defiance of Nazi orders to separate Jewish-American prisoners of war, saving approximately 200 lives, and his subsequent recognition as "Righteous Among the Nations" by Yad Vashem. The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the medal and allows for the sale of bronze duplicates.
Section 1
Short Title
This section establishes the official short title of the Act as the "Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act," providing a concise and recognizable name for the legislation. This ensures that the bill can be easily referenced and identified throughout the legislative process and by the public, clearly indicating its purpose to honor Master Sergeant Edmonds.
Section 2
Congressional Findings on Roddie Edmonds' Heroism
This section outlines the factual basis for awarding the medal, detailing Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds' life, his capture during the Battle of the Bulge, his defiance of Nazi orders to separate Jewish-American prisoners, and his subsequent recognition by Yad Vashem. It highlights his actions that saved approximately 200 Jewish-American lives and his posthumous recognition as "Righteous Among the Nations," providing the historical context and justification for the award.
Section 3(a)
Award of Congressional Gold Medal
This section authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds. This award is in recognition of his heroic actions during World War II, specifically his defiance against Nazi orders to protect Jewish-American soldiers, marking the highest expression of national appreciation for his service.
Section 3(b) and 3(c)
Design and Presentation of the Medal
This section directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, ensuring the medal appropriately reflects the honor being bestowed. It further specifies that the gold medal shall be presented to Master Sergeant Edmonds' son, Pastor Christopher Waring Edmonds, or his next of kin, formalizing the transfer of this high honor to his family as a lasting tribute to his bravery.
Section 4
Sale of Bronze Duplicates
This section authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal. These duplicates will be sold under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, at a price sufficient to cover all associated costs, including labor, materials, dies, machinery use, and overhead expenses, allowing the public to acquire commemorative versions of the medal.