U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) recently re-introduced legislation that would allow the military to review the service records of qualified Jewish veterans of World War I who may be eligible for the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor. A previous version of the legislation passed as part of the House defense package last year but was not brought up for a vote in the Senate.

Luetkemeyer’s legislation, the William Shemin Jewish World War I Veterans Act, is named after Sgt. William Shemin, a Jewish American who earned the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for saving three of his fellow soldiers’ lives during an intense three-day battle in France, while also leading his platoon in combat after more senior soldiers were wounded or killed in 1918. Luetkemeyer’s legislation would allow Shemin’s records to be reviewed for consideration for the Medal of Honor.

The legislation would give qualified Jewish military members the opportunity to receive the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor.The legislation would authorize the Secretary of the Army and Secretary of the Navy to review the records of Jewish American military members who served between April 6, 1917 and November 11, 1918, and who were previously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or other military decoration for service during World War I.

“Thousands of Jewish soldiers served bravely in defense of our nation during World War I, but, unfortunately, some were denied certain military honors because of discrimination,” Luetkemeyer said. “Jewish soldiers represent the same proud tradition of patriotism and service to America as soldiers from all races, religions, and backgrounds, and all of them deserve our respect and thanks for defending our country.” 

Shemin passed away in 1973, but his daughter, Elsie Shemin-Roth, a resident of Labadie, Mo, has passionately worked on behalf of her father’s military legacy. Mrs. Shemin-Roth has noted that her father’s DSC was approved by native Missourian and General of the Armies John J. Pershing.

In 2001, Congress passed the Leonard Kravitz Jewish War Veterans Act, which presented Jewish soldiers the opportunity to receive the Medal of Honor for their service in World War II.  Luetkemeyer’s legislation would build on that bill.

Luetkemeyer sent information to the House Armed Services Committee today offering his legislation for inclusion in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012. The committee met today to discuss the NDAA.  

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