Oberf�hrer:  September 17, 2021

After attending SS-Junkerschule Braunschweig's first class in 1935, Baum was posted as a Zugführer with 5/Germania. In 1938 he moved to Regiment "Der Führer" as a Zugführer with 12.Kompanie and later moved to the "Leibstandarte" as 7.Kompanie Chef and fought in the western campaigns with LSSAH. In March 1941, he transferred to "Totenkopf" Division as a Battalionskommandeur and at this position won both the German Cross in Gold and the Knight's Cross. In 1943 he was promoted, and took command of SS-Pz.-Gren-Regt. 5 "Totenkopf" and during battles in February and March was awarded teh Oakleaves. In March 1944, he was placed in reserve until June, when he took command of 17.SS-Pz.-Gren-Div. "Götz von Berlichingen" which he led through July. He took command of DR after Tychsen's death and lead the division until replaced by Lammerding. He was awarded the Swords for his actions with DR during the Falaise encirclement, in which his bravery lead to the escape of large numbers of troops. He ended the war as commander of 16.SS-Pz.-Gren-Div "RFSS". Baum was one of the most outstanding DR commanders and was a fully capable officer at all his command assignments. He is an excellent example of the fully trained officer corps Hausser sought to create. Only three DR soldiers were awarded the Swords, which attests to this man's bravery and skill.