Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Chef 11. / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 100

Awarded on:

June 13th, 1941

Awarded for storming the fortress complex of Kelkaja. The following press article details this action as follows…

“After an attack against the fortress complex of Kelkaja broke down under furious hostile MG and AA fire, Hauptmann Gaum decided to make a move based on his own personally conducted reconnaissance. He dispatched a half Zug with the mission of opening a path through the enemy blocking system up to the foremost bunker of the fortress complex. Following the success of this patrol, Hauptmann Gaum then made a decisive decision to immediately proceed with an attack so as to capitalize on this promising development. Leading at the head of his second Zug, he carried forward the attack against the first bunker while under strong defensive fire. Due to the heavy losses sustained the viability of the assault seemed to hang in the balance. However once again it was Hauptmann Gaum who mastered this crisis with his clear, focused leadership and brave personal example. He led two of his Züge forwards up to the bunker located at the top of the hill, and from there began capturing the enemy bunkers that were still active. Two hours later the enemy fortifications were all in the hands of the attackers. By this the first decisive breach was created in the western part of the Struma defensive line.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)