GREAT MILLS, MD, USA
U.S. Army
SGT, BATTERY G, 4TH BATTALION, 320TH FIELD ARTILLERY, 4 BCT, FORT CAMPBELL, KY
ROUTE ALASKA, AFGHANISTAN 08/01/2008
Army Sergeant Ryan Patrick Baumann of Great Mills, Maryland was killed in action on August 1, 2008 while serving his country in Afghanistan. While leading the convoy on Route Alaska in Afghanistan, his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.
Baumann, 24, was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY.
Baumann was born in Loveland Ohio and moved to Germany when he was five where he attended American, German and International schools. He excelled in both baseball and soccer. He moved to Maryland in 1996 and attended Esperanza Middle School and graduated from Great Mills High School in 2003. While in high school, Baumann continued to play and referee soccer and enjoyed cars and racing. He also developed his interest in photography while in High School and won awards from the School Board and produced the photos for a walking guide to St. Mary’s County, MD.
After graduation, he met his fiancée, Lauren Smith, who is also a graduate of Great Mills High School. They were planning on getting married on January 10, 2009.
Baumann enlisted in the Army in 2004 and served a 12-month tour in Iraq prior to his deployment to Afghanistan. His awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal (2 awards); National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Ribbon; Air Assault Badge; Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-Wheeled Vehicles and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert During funeral services on Monday August 11, 2008 he received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Baumann is survived by his mother, Cindy and step father Gary Lohman of Great Mills, MD, his father, Robert Baumann of Jeffersonville, IN, his sister, Christina Baumann of Mesa, AZ and his fiancée Lauren Smith of St. Mary’s City, MD. He is also survived by his grandfathers, John Boggs of Dayton, OH and Edward Baumann of Loveland, OH.
Baumann was proud of the work he was doing and believed in the mission and knew they were making a difference both in Iraq and Afghanistan. He paid the ultimate sacrifice and died a true hero.
Comments