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U.S. Army@USArmy · Feb 27, 2026

With a pistol to his forehead, Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds made a choice. He could save himself or save the 200…

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Summary

Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds, a WWII POW at Stalag IX-A, risked his life to save over 200 Jewish-American soldiers by refusing Nazi orders to segregate them for execution. He will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor on March 2 for his extraordinary heroism and moral courage.

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  1. #1

    With a pistol to his forehead, Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds made a choice. He could save himself or save the 200 Jewish-American Soldiers under his command. For his heroism, he will receive the Medal of Honor on March 2. This is his story. 🧵

  2. #2

    As the senior noncommissioned officer imprisoned at Stalag IX-A in Germany, Edmonds learned the Nazis ordered only Jewish-American prisoners to assemble, threatening death for non-compliance. Knowing this would lead to their execution, he gave a counter-order: all 1,200 American POWs would fall out together.

  3. #3

    The morning of Jan. 27, 1945, all 1,200 Americans stood in formation. Furious, the Nazi commandant called Edmonds to the front, once again demanding only the Jewish Soldiers be present. The German officer pressed his pistol against Edmonds’ forehead and threatened to shoot him on the spot.

  4. #4

    Without regard for his life, Edmonds refused. He boldly told the German officer that if he were executed, the commandant’s actions would be prosecuted under international law. The commandant lowered his weapon. Edmonds' fortitude saved the lives of more than 200 of his Jewish-American comrades.

  5. #5

    Edmonds' selfless acts of heroism and intrepidity reflect the highest traditions of military service and great credit upon himself and the United States Army. Edmonds will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on March 2 at the White House. Learn more about the ceremony and his fellow recipients here:

    U.S. Army@USArmy · Feb 27, 2026

    x.com/i/article/2027…