Paul Stambaugh enlisted in the military on March 12th, 1942. At the time of Stambaugh's death, he served as Gunner's Mate Second Class in the US Navy. The Gunner's Mate was responsible for maintenance and operation of guided missile launching systems, underwater explosive weapons, gun mounts and other ordnance equipment. Stambaugh was aboard the USS Corry when the ship was shelled and sunk off the coast of France at the St. Marcouf Island. Stambaugh died and was buried at sea on June 6th, 1944.