During World War II, Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds was captured by German forces and held at Stalag IX-A prisoner-of-war camp. As the highest-ranking American soldier among the prisoners, he was ordered by German officers to identify the Jewish soldiers in his unit so they could be separated for execution or deportation. Edmonds refused. Standing firm, he declared, “We are all Jews here,” risking his own life to protect his men.
His defiance stunned the German commandant, who threatened to shoot him on the spot. But Edmonds didn’t back down. His unwavering stance forced the Nazis to abandon their plan, saving around 300 Jewish American soldiers.
In recognition of his actions, Edmonds was honored as “Righteous Among the Nations,” making him the only American active-duty serviceman to receive this distinction.
Courageous leadership in action.
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