Seeking to right potential wrongs committed out of prejudice against heroic Jewish Americans serving during World War I, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) today introduced legislation that would give qualified Jewish military members the opportunity to receive the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor.

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) in 1918 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. Luetkemeyer’s legislation would allow Shemin’s records to be reviewed for consideration for the Medal of Honor. The legislation also would authorize the Secretary of the Army and Secretary of the Navy to review the records of other Jewish American military members that served between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918.

“Thousands of Jewish soldiers served bravely in defense of our nation during World War I but unfortunately discrimination at the time denied many of them certain military honors including the Medal of Honor, and that is why it is important that we honor Jewish Americans like William Shemin for their valor and bravery,” 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.” 

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 and was encouraged by the filing of the legislation. Mrs. Shemin-Roth also noted that her father’s DSC was approved by native Missourian and General of the Armies John J. Pershing.

 “How wonderful it is to show the world that we have a Jewish American hero who gave so much to our country and served above and beyond the call of duty,” Mrs. Shemin-Roth said. “We will be forever thankful to Congressman Luetkemeyer and his staff for their assistance in making this happen.”

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 and Luetkemeyer’s legislation will build on that.