David Thomas Austin

Branch: Navy
Rank: S5A1
Born: October 9, 1923
Reported Missing: May 27, 1945, presumed dead
Unit: USS Braine (DD630)
Location: Japan
Current Status: Not Recovered
Memorial

Seaman Austin enlisted in the Navy in November 1942 and was called for duty the following January.

The USS Braine took part in Okinawa operations as a radar picket ship from 16-25 May.  On May 27 1945, she was hit in quick succession by two suicide planes.  The first hit forward seriously damaged the bridge.  The second hit amidships blew number two funnel overboard and demolished the amidships superstructure.