Laid to Rest: The Story of Lt. Nathan Baskind’s Journey from WWII Missing to Honored Burial

Eight decades have passed since U.S. 1st Lieutenant Nathan Baskind, a Jewish American officer from Pittsburgh, Pa., died in the Battle of Cherbourg during WWII. His remains now rest in the Normandy American Cemetery in France. Initially marked as missing, his family remained unaware of his fate after he landed on Utah Beach on D-Day with the 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion.

In the intense combat on June 23, 1944, Baskind was ambushed, shot, and taken captive by German forces. He was taken to a Luftwaffe field hospital, where he died from his injuries, later buried in a mass grave alongside 23 Nazi soldiers. Post-war efforts relocated this grave to Marigny (Normandie) German War Graves Cemetery.

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Despite attempts by the American Grave Registration Service in 1957 to identify his remains, failure ensued due to lack of positive identification, despite recovering Baskind’s unit patch, lieutenant’s bars, and dog tag. His family was not informed of these findings.

Shalom Lamm, from Operation Benjamin, shared insights into their mission to amend headstones of Jewish soldiers mistakenly marked with a cross. Baskind’s story is unique, influenced by decisions Jewish soldiers made about faith inscriptions on dog tags.

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A genealogist’s discovery in German databases facilitated Operation Benjamin’s breakthrough in identifying Baskind. Initially thought missing for 79 years, they located his great-niece, Samantha Baskind, an author and professor, who was shocked by the revelation.

Operation Benjamin negotiated with authorities in the U.S., Germany, and France to transfer Baskind’s remains from a mass grave. An initial denial by Brigadier General Dirk Backen of the German War Graves Commission changed after considering DNA technology advances.

A video appeal from Samantha Baskind helped secure the permission needed for exhumation. A team of 17, including anthropologists and volunteers, conducted a meticulous three-day dig, identifying Baskind from his distinct height.

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DNA analysis confirmed Baskind’s identity through matching samples, bringing unexpected closure to his family. Samantha Baskind organized her great-uncle’s burial, reflecting on the emotional task.

On June 23, 2024, commemorating the 80th anniversary of his death, Baskind received burial in the Normandy American Cemetery with honors under Jewish law. For Samantha, this ceremony symbolized resolution for her family.

Backen noted the collaboration in reburial underscored German-American relations post-WWII. His personal connection, losing a great-uncle nearby in Normandy, highlighted the human impact of war’s devastation.

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Lamm emphasized Baskind’s recovery exemplifies American servicemembers’ sacrifices for national security. Samantha Baskind criticized stereotypes about Jewish contributions to the military, reaffirming her great-uncle’s commitment to defending U.S. freedoms.

Rachel Wolf, a Fox News Digital reporter, sheds light on this story and its broader cultural implications.