U.S. Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Jim McGovern (D-MA), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) were joined by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in announcing their bipartisan bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Benjamin Ferencz, the last living Nuremberg Trials prosecutor.

The bill was supported by 296 House co-sponsors and 81 Senate co-sponsors. It was endorsed by the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee.

The Congressional Gold Medal is Congress’ highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. The first award was given to George Washington, and it has been awarded 184 times to America’s national heroes.

According to information released by the Jewish National Syndicate, over the course of his life, Benjamin Ferencz has advocated for the rule of law and international justice. During WWII, he served in the U.S. Army and helped to collect evidence of Nazi war crimes. Following the war, he was awarded five battle stars for his service. Later, he was appointed chief prosecutor in the proceedings that convicted 22 former Nazi Schutzstaffel (SS) officials.

“I am so honored to have secured the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to Benjamin Ferencz, a champion for human rights,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Mr. Ferencz’s life exemplifies what it means to dedicate oneself to compassion, empathy and righteousness. Few people have been more deserving of this tremendous honor.”