Mo. family wonders about soldier's death in Baghdad

CADET, Mo. -- More than a month after Sgt. Austin David Pratt died in Iraq, his family in Missouri still knows little about the circumstances that led to his death.

Pratt, of Cadet, a small town about 25 miles northwest of Farmington, Mo., died Dec. 15 in Baghdad, four days before he would have turned 23. At the time of his death, the Army said only that it was not combat-related. Since then, the Army has said the death is under investigation.

Pratt's parents, Austin and Monica Pratt, recently issued a statement that read: "The investigation into the death of our son, Sgt. Austin D. Pratt, is still on going. There is not much we can tell anyone. All we know is his death was an accident and he did not die by means of malice. Hopefully soon we will be informed of what happened at the time of his death."

Mourners lined the streets of nearby Potosi waving flags as Pratt's body was brought home Dec. 20. More than 500 people attended his funeral.

Pratt was a gifted baseball player who earned the nickname "Ozzie." Among those paying respects at the funeral was Cardinals Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith. Baseball memorabilia mingled with flowers and candles at a makeshift memorial outside Potosi City Hall throughout the holidays.

Pratt comes from a large military family and enlisted in May 2004.

"Austin made the choice to be a soldier for his country," his uncle, Deacon Steve Politte, said. "He was always concerned about other people. There is no greater love than to lay down your life for friends. Austin laid down his life for friends."

Politte said Pratt was about to leave the military last August when his tour of duty was extended.