Arthur Joseph Baxter, age 21,  was killed in action February 1, 1943, in the sinking of the Destroyer DeHaven off Savo Island in the South Pacific. Arthur Baxter enlisted in the Navy the previous August 7th and was assigned to active duty after a training period.

Fireman 2nd Class, Arthur Baxter, was previously reported be "missing in action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country", according to Mr. and Mrs. Baxter who received a telegram from Rear Admiral Randall Jacobs, chief of Navy personnel.

His parents last heard from him two weeks before Christmas, when they received two V-mail letters indicating he was somewhere overseas.  His parents had no information to indicate where the action took place whether in the Atlantic or Pacific zones.

Another Beacon youth, Joseph DiTullo, a pal of Baxter, was serving on the same ship, friends said here.  Inasmuch as no word had been received about DiTullo, it was believed Baxter was safe.

Sailor Baxter attended Beacon High School and was employed at the Dutchess Hat Works prior to enlisting in the Navy.  He was the second Beacon youth listed missing in naval action as less than a month earlier Calvin Clensay was reported missing.

Arthur's brother Edgar Baxter Jr., was in the Army, stationed at Station Hospital, Lincoln Air Base, Nebraska, at the time of Arthur's death.