Hiram Bingham IV (1903–88, age 85). An American diplomat and World War II hero, best known for his courageous efforts to help Jewish refugees escape Nazi persecution during the Holocaust. His actions were largely hidden for decades but eventually became recognized for their significance in saving lives during one of history’s darkest periods.
Quick Bio:
• Full Name: Hiram Bingham IV
• Born: November 17, 1903, in Hawai‘i
• Died: June 14, 1988, in Palo Alto, California
• Family: He was part of the prominent Bingham family, which had a history of exploration and public service. His grandfather, Hiram Bingham III, was a famous explorer and politician.
World War II and Diplomatic Service:
• Role: Hiram Bingham IV served as the Vice Consul at the U.S. Consulate in Marseilles, France, during World War II.
• Heroic Actions: During the war, when Nazi forces occupied France, Bingham played a pivotal role in assisting Jews to flee Europe. At a time when the U.S. government, under the Vichy regime, had increasingly restricted Jewish immigration, Bingham used his diplomatic position to issue visas to Jews attempting to escape Nazi-occupied territories.
Rescue Efforts:
• Bingham’s actions included distributing visas to Jewish refugees, despite the restrictions on immigration at the time. He forged documents and helped individuals escape via the French port of Marseille, where many Jewish refugees were seeking escape routes.
• His efforts saved hundreds of lives, helping Jewish families escape the Holocaust, with many people being smuggled out of France using his visa facilitation.
Bingham’s work was done in secret, as he acted against the official U.S. policy that was reluctant to allow refugees into the country. For his role in aiding Jewish refugees, he faced criticism and even punishment from his superiors, who were often unsympathetic to his actions.
Punishment and Dismissal:
• Reprimanded: Bingham’s actions led to conflict with his superiors. He was called to Washington and reprimanded for his unauthorized actions. In 1941, he was removed from his post in Marseilles and sent back to the U.S. He was eventually dismissed from the Foreign Service altogether, likely because of his defiance against the State Department’s policies regarding Jewish refugees.
Recognition and Legacy:
• Long Overlooked: For many years, Hiram Bingham IV’s efforts went largely unrecognized, as he was not celebrated in the same way as some other diplomats who had helped Jews escape during the war.
• Posthumous Recognition: However, his heroism was eventually brought to light, especially after the work of historians and Jewish organizations. In the 1990s, survivors and their families began to speak out about how Bingham had helped them escape the Nazis.
• Yad Vashem: In 2002, he was posthumously honored by the Israeli government, which awarded him the title of Righteous Among the Nations at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. This recognition is given to non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.
Family and Later Life:
• After his diplomatic career ended, Bingham worked in the private sector and later became a writer and historian.
• His family had a long history of engagement in public service and exploration, with his grandfather, Hiram Bingham III, being an explorer famous for his discovery of Machu Picchu in Peru.
Legacy:
Hiram Bingham IV’s story is one of moral courage and defiance against the forces of evil during World War II. Despite the dangers to his career, he made the choice to stand up for what was right by helping save lives. His actions exemplify the humanitarian spirit and continue to be celebrated for their impact on human rights and justice.