Washington, February 27: President Donald Trump will award the prestigious Medal of Honor to three American soldiers on March 2, recognizing their acts of “valor and courage beyond the call of duty” during World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Afghanistan War.
The White House announced that Master Sergeant Roderick (Roddy) W. Edmonds will receive the honor posthumously, along with Staff Sergeant Michael H. Olis and Command Sergeant Major Terry P. Richardson (Retired).
Master Sergeant Edmonds is being honored for his indomitable courage as a prisoner of war in Germany from January 27 to March 30, 1945. Upon arriving at the Stalag IXA camp in Ziegenhain, he faced a brutal order from the Nazi army, which required only Jewish-American prisoners to report separately, threatening death for non-compliance.
Recognizing the looming threat of potential massacre over 200 Jewish-American prisoners, Edmonds demonstrated solidarity by ordering all 1,200 American soldiers to present themselves together. When an enraged Nazi commandant threatened him with a gun to reveal the Jewish prisoners or face execution, Edmonds remained undeterred. He boldly warned the commandant that such an act would be considered a serious “war crime.” Ultimately, the Nazi officer backed down, leaving without harming any prisoners.
Weeks later, as Allied forces advanced, Edmonds led a resistance. When German transport arrived, he ordered the prisoners to break ranks and return to their barracks, forcing the guards to leave, while 1,200 American soldiers remained safe.
Staff Sergeant Olis is being honored for his extraordinary courage and dedication during a complex and coordinated enemy attack at Forward Operating Base Ghazni in Afghanistan on August 28, 2013. This multi-layered attack included vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings, indirect fire, and small arms fire.
Understanding the seriousness of the situation, Olis immediately directed his fellow soldiers to safe bunkers. He then risked his life by re-entering a building to assess casualties. When enemy forces breached the perimeter, he confronted them head-on.
Alongside an officer from the coalition forces and armed only with rifles, Olis played a crucial role in repelling the attack. His bravery, leadership, and quick decision-making not only saved many soldiers’ lives but also mitigated the attack’s severity.
The White House noted that amid continuous gunfire, a rebel attacked him closely. “Without regard for his own life,” Olis positioned himself between the assailant and an injured officer. He fired back, neutralizing the attacker, but was severely injured when the rebel’s suicide vest detonated.
Command Sergeant Major Terry P. Richardson is being honored for his actions near Loc Ninh in the Republic of Vietnam on September 14, 1968. The White House stated that amidst intense gunfire from a North Vietnamese battalion, he faced heavy machine gun fire three times to rescue wounded soldiers.
Realizing his company was encircled, he moved to direct tactical air strikes towards Hill 222, only to discover it was the enemy’s regimental base camp. Despite being injured by a sniper, he continued directing air strikes for seven hours and later refused medical evacuation. His actions saved the lives of 85 fellow soldiers.
The Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the armed forces who demonstrate extraordinary valor and courage beyond the call of duty, often risking their lives. Since its establishment during the American Civil War, over 3,500 military personnel have received this medal. It is the highest military honor in the United States, awarded by the President on behalf of Congress to recognize exceptional wartime acts across various wars and generations.
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