BINGHAM, Hiram IV "Harry" [1903-1988] -- diplomat, war hero, Medal of Valor

Wiki: Hiram Bingham IV

An American diplomat, he served as a Vice-Consul in Marseille, France, during World War II, and helped over 2,500 Jews to flee from France as Nazi forces advanced. Anxious to limit immigration to the United States and to maintain good relations with the Vichy government, the State Department actively discouraged diplomats from helping refugees.

Bingham sheltered Jews in his Marseilles home, and obtained forged identity papers to help Jews in their dangerous journeys across Europe. He worked with the French underground to smuggle Jews out of France into Franco's Spain or across the Mediterranean and even contributed to their expenses out of his own pocket.

In 1941, the United States government abruptly pulled Bingham from his position as Vice Consul and transferred him to Portugal and then Argentina. In 1945, after being passed over for promotion, he resigned from the United States Foreign Service.  
 

2002

2006

2011

• Great-grandfather: ¤BINGHAM, Hiram (Rev.) [1789-1869] pioneer missionary in Hawaii
• Grandfather: ¤BINGHAM, Hiram II (Rev.) [1831-1908] Missionary in the Gilbert Is.
• Father: ¤BINGHAM, Hiram III [1875-1956] explorer and politician