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"Master Sergeant Roderick W. Edmonds distinguished himself by acts of
gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty from January
27, 1945, to March 30, 1945, as a prisoner of war in Germany, while
assigned to headquarters and headquarters company, 422nd Infantry
Regiment, 106th Infantry Division. Upon arrival at Stalag IX-A in
Ziegenhain, Germany, he was soon put to the test as Senior
Non-Commissioned Officer. On the evening of January 26, 1945, the
Germans announced that only Jewish-American prisoners would fall out for
roll call the following morning, at the threat of execution. Master
Sergeant Edmonds quickly understood that segregating more than 200
Jewish-American prisoners of war would likely result in their
persecution and possible death, so he directed his senior leaders to
have all 1,200 American prisoners present themselves for roll call. The
following morning, the Nazi commandant became incredulous after
realizing that so many Americans were standing in formation. Master
Sergeant Edmonds bravely resisted his fury, while also recounting the
rights afforded to all prisoners under the Geneva Convention. Still
enraged, the commandant removed his pistol, pressed it hard against
Master Sergeant Edmonds’ forehead between his eyes and demanded that he
order all Jewish-American prisoners to step forward, or he would be
shot. With unwavering courage at the risk of his life, above and beyond
the call of duty, Master Sergeant Edmonds fearlessly held his ground,
refusing to concede and verbally warned the commandant that if he
executed him, he would be prosecuted for war crimes once the war was
over. Finally, the commandant, who was visibly reddened with anger,
lowered his weapon and returned to his office without further attempts
to segregate the Jewish-American prisoners. Master Sergeant Edmonds’
actions inspired his fellow prisoners of war. Several weeks later, in
March 1945, as Allied forces were rapidly advancing toward the area, the
Germans ordered all prisoners to assemble outside the barracks for
evacuation farther East to another camp. Fully intending to undermine
his enemy captors, Master Sergeant Edmonds ordered all American
prisoners to form in front of the barracks, and when the enemy
transports arrived, they would break ranks and rush back to their
barracks. Without regard for his own life Master Sergeant Edmonds
gallantly led these prisoners in a relentless pursuit of opposition and
resistance, forcing the Germans to abandon the camp leaving the 1,200
American prisoners behind. The full extent of his bravery, unbending
will, and courageous leadership would be realized when soldiers from 3rd U.S. Army liberated the camp on March 30, 1945. Master Sergeant Edmonds’
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above
and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions
of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army."
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