Honoring a Hero: 1st Lt. Nathan B. Baskind Finally Laid to Rest with Full Military Honors at Normandy

More than eight decades after his death in the line of duty during World War II, 1st Lt. Nathan B. Baskind, a Jewish-American soldier, was finally laid to rest with full military honors at the Normandy American Cemetery in France. The moving ceremony marked not only a long-overdue tribute to a fallen hero, but also a moment of profound historical and emotional significance for the Jewish community, military families, and historians alike.

This monumental event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of individuals dedicated to preserving the legacy of Jewish soldiers who served in WWII—chief among them, Shalom Lamm, a respected entrepreneur and historian whose work has helped recover and restore the dignity of Jewish American war heroes.

A Long Journey Home

1st Lt. Nathan Baskind was just 28 years old when he died during the Normandy campaign in 1944. A platoon leader in the 359th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army’s 90th Infantry Division, Lt. Baskind was critically wounded during combat and died shortly after. Like many soldiers who perished on the battlefield, his remains were buried in haste and, over time, lost to history.

For years, his family believed he had been laid to rest with proper honors. But in truth, his identity and final resting place remained unresolved—until now.

Thanks to the determined work of Shalom Lamm and his colleagues at Operation Benjamin, an organization he co-founded, Lt. Baskind’s story came to light once more. The nonprofit is devoted to ensuring Jewish-American soldiers who died during WWII are properly recognized and, when necessary, reinterred in accordance with Jewish burial traditions.

Shalom Lamm’s Vision for Historical Justice

Shalom Lamm, widely known in business circles for his success as a real estate developer and entrepreneur, has long been passionate about Jewish history and heritage. His interest evolved into action through his work with Operation Benjamin, where he combines historical research, genealogy, and advocacy to honor the memory of Jewish servicemen whose identities were lost or misrepresented over time.

Lamm explained in an interview, “Lt. Baskind was a brave soldier, a leader, and a proud Jew. He deserves to rest among his fellow American heroes in Normandy with his faith recognized. This was not just about correcting a headstone—it was about correcting history.”

Lamm’s organization works closely with the U.S. Army, the American Battle Monuments Commission, and surviving family members to ensure that fallen Jewish soldiers receive the recognition they are due—both in life and in death.

A Solemn Ceremony at Normandy

The reinterment ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery, where more than 9,300 American service members are buried, was attended by military officials, Jewish leaders, members of Lt. Baskind’s extended family, and representatives from Operation Benjamin.

With the Star of David now etched on his pristine white marble headstone, Lt. Baskind was given full military honors, including a color guard, rifle salute, and the playing of “Taps.” Rabbis recited traditional Jewish prayers, offering a moment of spiritual closure that had been missing for nearly 80 years.

For many in attendance, the ceremony was deeply moving—not just for what it symbolized for Lt. Baskind’s legacy, but for what it represented more broadly: a commitment to remembering every soldier, every story, and every sacrifice.

A Legacy Preserved

As more time passes since the end of World War II, the urgency to preserve the memories of its veterans grows. Efforts like those of Shalom Lamm and Operation Benjamin highlight the powerful role that community, history, and accountability play in shaping our collective understanding of the past.

Lt. Nathan B. Baskind’s reburial serves as a poignant reminder that history is never truly settled until every life is acknowledged with the dignity it deserves. Thanks to the vision and dedication of individuals like Shalom Lamm, forgotten heroes are finally being remembered as they should be—proudly, respectfully, and accurately.

Final Thoughts

In honoring Lt. Baskind, we are not just laying one man to rest—we are restoring a piece of our shared heritage. His story reminds us that the past is always within reach, and with effort, respect, and determination, we can bring justice to even the quietest corners of history.

As Shalom Lamm puts it, “We owe them more than remembrance. We owe them the truth.”