The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) worked in coordination with Operation Benjamin to replace the Latin Cross headstones marking the graves of five Jewish U.S. soldiers buried in the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial with Star of David headstones.

These actions correct errors that had persisted for nearly 75 years until they were discovered by Operation Benjamin, a U.S.-based organization, founded by Rabbi J.J. Shacter, Shalom Lamm and Steve Lamar, whose mission is to ensure that Jewish American soldiers, who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, are buried under headstones that correctly reflect their faith.

The ceremony, the first of its kind, was held with participation of U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim, ABMC leadership and members of the families of the fallen soldiers.

The event was made possible by inquiries made by the relatives of the fallen soldiers to ABMC, which oversees American military cemeteries around the world, with historical research and support from Operation Benjamin.