Baustic served as a Staff Sergeant, 32nd Photographic Squadron, 5th Reconnaissance Group, U.S. Army Air Force during World War II.

He resided in Montgomery County, Alabama and was previously a member of the National Guard prior to the war.

The National Guard unit he was previously a member of was called into full time active Army service on July 28, 1941, prior to the war, from Camp Blanding, Florida. Since he had only been out of the Guard for less than three months he was called back into service with the unit. He was noted, at that time, as being Single, without dependents.

Baustic was a passenger on the S.S. Paul Hamilton (Hull Number 227).

On her fifth voyage the S.S. Paul Hamilton left Hampton Roads, Virginia on April 2, 1944 as part of convoy U.G.S. 38, carrying supplies and the ground personnel of the 485th Bombardment Group and the 5th Reconnaissance Group of the United States Army Air Forces to Italy.

On the evening of April 20th the Hamilton and other ships in the convoy were attacked 30 miles (48 km) in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Cape Bengut near Algiers by 23 German Ju 88 bombers.

One aerial torpedo struck the Paul Hamilton and detonated the cargo of high explosives and bombs, and the ship and crew disappeared within 30 seconds. A total of approximately 580 men where lost.

Baustic was declared "Missing In Action" in this sinking during the war.

He was awarded the Purple Heart.

Service # 20415419

( Bio by: Russ Pickett )

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The U.S.S. Lansdale (DD-426) and the S.S. Royal Star were also sunk in this attack.
The Lansdale had a loss of Forty-seven officers and men.
The Royal Star lost only one member of their crew.

The Lansdale received four battle stars for World War II service.

Baustic served as a Staff Sergeant, 32nd Photographic Squadron, 5th Reconnaissance Group, U.S. Army Air Force during World War II.

He resided in Montgomery County, Alabama and was previously a member of the National Guard prior to the war.

The National Guard unit he was previously a member of was called into full time active Army service on July 28, 1941, prior to the war, from Camp Blanding, Florida. Since he had only been out of the Guard for less than three months he was called back into service with the unit. He was noted, at that time, as being Single, without dependents.

Baustic was a passenger on the S.S. Paul Hamilton (Hull Number 227).

On her fifth voyage the S.S. Paul Hamilton left Hampton Roads, Virginia on April 2, 1944 as part of convoy U.G.S. 38, carrying supplies and the ground personnel of the 485th Bombardment Group and the 5th Reconnaissance Group of the United States Army Air Forces to Italy.

On the evening of April 20th the Hamilton and other ships in the convoy were attacked 30 miles (48 km) in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Cape Bengut near Algiers by 23 German Ju 88 bombers.

One aerial torpedo struck the Paul Hamilton and detonated the cargo of high explosives and bombs, and the ship and crew disappeared within 30 seconds. A total of approximately 580 men where lost.

Baustic was declared "Missing In Action" in this sinking during the war.

He was awarded the Purple Heart.

Service # 20415419

( Bio by: Russ Pickett )

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The U.S.S. Lansdale (DD-426) and the S.S. Royal Star were also sunk in this attack.
The Lansdale had a loss of Forty-seven officers and men.
The Royal Star lost only one member of their crew.

The Lansdale received four battle stars for World War II service.