Dozens of people gathered at a recent ceremony at the Florence American Cemetery, to honor a fallen World War II soldier whose faith was recognized more than 80 years later.

FLORENCE, Italy — Dozens of people gathered at a recent ceremony at the Florence American Cemetery, to honor a fallen World War II soldier whose faith was recognized more than 80 years later.

The May 14 ceremony marked the rededication of the grave of Pvt. 1st Class Frank Kurzinger, an American-Jewish soldier originally from Germany and the only child of his family. Family members of the fallen, U.S. military officials, members of the Jewish community, local dignitaries, and historians came together to honor Kurzinger’s sacrifice and correct the record for future generations.

Dozens of people gathered at a recent ceremony at the Florence American Cemetery, to honor a fallen World War II soldier whose faith was recognized more than 80 years later.

Operation Benjamin is a nonprofit organization that works to identify Jewish soldiers interred in American military cemeteries around the world who were misidentified and ensure their headstones bear the correct religious symbol.

Camp Darby’s Deputy Garrison Manager Timothy Andersen represented U.S. Army Garrison Italy at the event.

“It is inspiring to see the mission of Operation Benjamin unfolding here at the Florence American Cemetery,” said Andersen. “Replacing the Latin Cross with the Star of David over Pvt. 1st Class Frank Kurzinger’s grave is a recognition of both his personal identity and his ultimate sacrifice.”

The Kurzingers fled Nazi persecution, arriving in Denver, Colorado, in 1938. Despite his Jewish heritage, Kurzinger’s grave had been marked with a Latin Cross as during his military service, Kurzinger deliberately concealed his Jewish identity, fearing additional persecution if captured by the Nazis.

Dozens of people gathered at a recent ceremony at the Florence American Cemetery, to honor a fallen World War II soldier whose faith was recognized more than 80 years later. Camp Darby’s Deputy Garrison Manager Timothy Andersen represented U.S. Army Garrison Italy at the event.

Cemetery Superintendent Eryth Zecher emphasized the historic and emotional significance of the rededication.

“Now, thanks to the efforts of Operation Benjamin, the American Battle Monuments Commission and his family, his headstone will reflect his true identity,” Zecher said. “This is a promise kept.”

The Florence American Cemetery, located just south of the city, is the final resting place for 4,392 American service members who died during the Italian Campaign of World War II.