After 80 years, the headstone of Pvt. Nathan Wise, a Jewish war hero who served in World War II, has been corrected to reflect his faith. Buried in Italy’s Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Wise’s grave previously bore a Latin cross, despite his Jewish heritage. The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) rectified this by replacing it with a Star of David.
Wise, a member of the 34th Infantry Division, was killed in action in 1944 during the Italian campaign. His family, unaware of the burial details, had no opportunity to ensure the correct religious symbol marked his grave. The discrepancy came to light through the efforts of Operation Benjamin, an organization dedicated to correcting headstones of Jewish soldiers misidentified in U.S. military cemeteries.
Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter, co-founder of Operation Benjamin, emphasized the importance of this correction, stating, “We are committed to ensuring that Jewish soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice are buried under the Star of David, reflecting their faith and heritage.”
The ABMC, responsible for maintaining U.S. military cemeteries abroad, collaborated with Operation Benjamin to verify Wise’s Jewish identity and authorize the headstone change. This correction not only honors Wise’s memory but also upholds the integrity of historical records.
The ceremony marking the headstone replacement was attended by military officials, representatives from Operation Benjamin, and members of the Jewish community. It served as a poignant reminder of the diverse backgrounds of those who served and sacrificed during World War II.
Rabbi Schacter concluded, “Correcting these headstones is a sacred duty, ensuring that the identities and beliefs of our fallen heroes are accurately represented for posterity.”
