Elsie Shemin-Roth announcing that her father, Sgt. William Shemin, will be awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his service during World War I. Despite his heroism, the sergeant was denied consideration due to anti-Semitism. Thirteen years ago, his daughter began the long process of righting this wrong. The announcement was made on May 20, 2015 at Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Mrs. Shemin-Roth will travel to Washington D.C. to receive her father’s medal from the President of the United States in June 2015.
Press Coverage:
- Post-Dispatch: Jewish-American WWI vet with family in St. Louis to get Medal of Honor
- CNN: Two from World War I to get Medal of Honor
- Missourian: Former Area Resident to Accept Medal on Father’s Behalf
- St. Louis Public Radio: Medal of Honor for WWI vet is triumph over anti-semitism, says daughter
- Fox 2: Daughter of World War I veteran to be presented with his Medal of Honor
- KPLR: Daughter of World War I veteran to be presented with his Medal of Honor
- St. Louis Jewish Light: Daughter’s drive wins honor for dad’s WWI heroism
- Jewish Telegraphic Agency: Obama to award Medal of Honor to Jewish World War I hero
- Defense Video & Imagery (who knew): Video Press Conference
- Syracuse SB Nation: SU Alumnus William Shemin to Receive Medal of Honor Posthumously
- ESF: Forestry College Alumnus to Receive Medal of Honor
- Macon Telegraph: 91 years later, Jewish WWI vet to receive Medal of Honor
