After eight decades, U.S. 1st Lieutenant Nathan Baskind, a Jewish officer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was laid to rest alongside his fellow soldiers in the Normandy American Cemetery in France. Lt. Baskind died in the Battle of Cherbourg during World War II and had been listed as missing for years.
A Lost Hero
Baskind served with the 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion and landed on Utah Beach on D-Day. On June 23, 1944, during intense fighting, he was ambushed, shot, and captured by German forces. He later succumbed to his wounds at a Luftwaffe field hospital, where he was buried in a mass grave alongside 23 Nazi soldiers.
Post-war, his remains were relocated to the Marigny German War Graves Cemetery but still lacked proper identification. Despite efforts by the American Grave Registration Service in 1957, Baskind’s remains remained unidentified until DNA technology advanced.
Resolving Decades of Uncertainty
Operation Benjamin, a nonprofit organization, was pivotal in correcting the historical grave error. They focus on ensuring Jewish soldiers are honored with a Star of David. Shalom Lamm, co-founder and chief historian, emphasized the importance of accurate representation for soldiers like Baskind.
The breakthrough came when a genealogist uncovered Baskind’s name in German cemetery records, prompting further investigation. The organization verified his identity through DNA matching with family members. With permission from the U.S., Germany, and France, his remains were examined and confirmed.
Bringing Closure
On June 23, 2024, the 80th anniversary of Baskind’s death, he was reburied in the Normandy American Cemetery with full military honors under Jewish law. His great-niece, Samantha Baskind, played a significant role in advocating for his proper burial and closure. She expressed pride in finding her great-uncle and carrying his legacy forward.
The efforts to rebury Baskind also highlighted the renewed post-war relationship between Germany and the U.S. Celebrating historical corrections is essential for dispelling persistent inaccuracies about Jewish American contributions during wartime.
Samantha Baskind’s statement reminds us of the vital role Jewish Americans played: “His story shows us that freedoms are never free.”
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