In January 1945, the commandant ordered all Jewish prisoners to step forward out of the daily line-up. A US Army sergeant, Roddie Edmonds, ordered his men to disobey the order, and told the Germans: "We are all Jews here." For his actions, Edmonds was made Righteous Among the Nations, the first American soldier to be so honoured. After being kept standing for several hours 130 came forward. However, the commandant had been requested to provide 350 for the transport. Thus known "troublemakers" among the prisoners, including PFC J.C.F. "Hans" Kasten, the elected camp leader, were then selected, including anyone who "looked Jewish." On February 8 the group was taken by train to the Berga concentration camp.