After 80 years, U.S. 1st Lieutenant Nathan Baskind, a Jewish American soldier from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been reburied with his fellow American troops at the Normandy American Cemetery in France. Baskind, who fought bravely during World War II, was initially considered missing after the Battle of Cherbourg on June 23, 1944. German records later revealed that he was ambushed, taken prisoner, and died from his wounds, ultimately being buried in a mass grave with Nazi soldiers.

Operation Benjamin’s Role

Operation Benjamin, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring Jewish American soldiers are properly honored, played a crucial role in correcting this historical oversight. The organization discovered Baskind’s identity through meticulous research and DNA analysis, leading to his reburial under a Star of David, in accordance with Jewish tradition.

Shalom Lamm, co-founder of Operation Benjamin, emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by Jewish American soldiers like Baskind. The organization worked tirelessly to gain permission from multiple countries, including the U.S., Germany, and France, to exhume and properly identify Baskind’s remains.

Family Closure

Samantha Baskind, Nathan’s great-niece, expressed profound gratitude and closure upon learning of her great-uncle’s fate. She described the lack of knowledge about his fate as a ‘jagged scar’ in their family history. The reburial ceremony, held on the 80th anniversary of his death, brought a sense of peace and pride to the Baskind family.

A Symbol of Sacrifice

The reburial of Lieutenant Baskind not only corrects a historical error but also serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by American servicemembers in defense of freedom. As Shalom Lamm noted, these servicemembers gave their lives so that future generations could enjoy freedom and peace.

Brigadier General Secretary General Dirk Backen of the German War Graves Commission reflected on the broader significance of this effort, highlighting the post-World War II relationship between Germany and the U.S. and the shared commitment to peace and reconciliation.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.