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Otto BaumGerman officer during World War II, division commander
Date of Birth: 15.11.1911
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Early Life and SS Career
Albrecht Baum was born into a German military family on November 1, 1933. He joined the Schutzstaffel (SS) in 1933 and the Nazi Party in 1935. After graduating from the SS-Junkerschule in Braunschweig, he became a platoon commander in SS Regiment "Germania." In 1938, he was transferred to SS Regiment "Führer" and later to "Leibstandarte" SS "Adolf Hitler" as commander of the 7th Company.
World War II Service
During World War II, Baum fought in the Polish and French campaigns. From March 1941, he commanded a battalion in the SS Motorized Regiment 3 of the 3rd SS Panzer Division "Totenkopf." He distinguished himself in the Dmyansk Pocket, leading the 3rd Battalion of the 3rd SS Panzer Regiment "Totenkopf." After being severely wounded in 1943, Baum was appointed commander of the 5th SS Motorized Regiment in the 3rd SS Panzer Division "Totenkopf." He fought in the Battle of Kursk and was recognized for his actions during the Battle of Prokhorovka.
Baum commanded the 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division "Götz von Berlichingen" in Normandy and the 2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich" from July to October 1944. In November 1944, he took over the 16th SS Panzergrenadier Division "Reichsführer-SS." He fought with his division in Northern Italy and Hungary until its surrender to British forces in Austria on May 8, 1945.
Post-War Years
After the war, Baum was captured and held in prisoner-of-war camps until his release in December 1948. He worked in the textile industry for the rest of his life.
