Knoxville WWII veteran hailed as hero for saving Jewish soldiers

An extraordinary honor was recently given to a WWII veteran born and raised in East Tennessee. The Embassy of Israel, among others, celebrated his courage in 1945 while being held prisoner in Germany.

President Obama spoke Wednesday night at the Righteous Among the Nations ceremony. Knoxville’s MSgt. Roddie Edmonds hailed for saving the lives of Jewish prisoners of war. Edmonds passed away in 1985.

His son, Chris Edmonds, says this act of heroism is a new discovery. He says his dad was humble and it’s been a journey learning about the time between his capture and release.