RONALD E. BAUM was a Gunnery Sergeant serving with the 2nd Intelligence Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II MEF. The 38 year-old Marine Interrogator from Altoona, PA was Killed in Action on May 3 2004 when his unit was ambushed and came under heavy machine gun and Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) attack near Fallujah, Anbar Province, Iraq. Baum had moved to the top of his Humvee to better direct his Marines and coordinate their return fire. He was killed when a mortar round hit the vehicle. He died in the service of his Corps and country while leading his Marines. GySgt Baum was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "V" for his heroic action.
Ronald E. Baum was laid to rest with full military honors near his home in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania and is honored for his sacrifice and service to his Corps and Nation.