Senate Joint Resolution 927 honors the memory of Master Sergeant Roderick "Roddie" W. Edmonds, a Medal of Honor recipient from Knoxville, Tennessee. Born on August 20, 1919, Edmonds served in the United States Army during World War II and was captured during the Battle of the Bulge. As the senior noncommissioned officer among American prisoners of war, he displayed remarkable courage by refusing to identify Jewish-American soldiers when ordered to do so by German guards, famously stating, "We are all Jews here." His actions not only defied the German command but also saved the lives of over 200 fellow servicemen.
Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on March 2, 2026, Edmonds is recognized for his extraordinary bravery and leadership during a time of great peril. The resolution expresses pride in honoring his legacy and acknowledges the significant impact of his moral courage and selflessness. The General Assembly commends Edmonds for upholding the highest traditions of military service and ensuring the safety of his comrades during a harrowing chapter in history.