Pennsylvania National Guard Soldier Killed in Action

56th Stryker Brigade Loses First Soldier in Combat

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — A member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team was killed in action Saturday morning after an attack in Mushada, Iraq.

Staff Sgt. Mark C. Baum, 32, of Quakertown, a member of Detachment 1, Company B, 1-111th Infantry, Phoenixville, was severely wounded by small arms fire after the quick reaction force he was assigned to responded to an Improvised Explosive Device attack around 5 a.m. He was airlifted to Baghdad and died around 10 a.m. No other soldiers were killed or injured during the incident.

“This is truly a sad day for the family of Staff Sgt. Baum and Pennsylvania National Guard members,” said Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright, commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard. “His bravery and dedication serve as a reminder of all of the sacrifices that are made each day to ensure that freedom and democracy prevail. There are no words for the loss we feel.”

Governor Edward G. Rendell ordered that all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags at the state’s Capitol Complex and at commonwealth facilities in Bucks County be flown at half-staff immediately until Sgt. Baum’s interment.

Baum, a former active duty combat veteran, served tours in Iraq, Kosovo and the Sinai. He joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in 2005. As a civilian, he was a corrections officer at the Bucks County Correctional Facility.

He is survived by his wife, Heather; three young children; and his parents, Howard and Debra Baum, Morgantown.

Baum is the 33rd Pennsylvania Army National Guard solder killed in action and the first 56th Stryker Brigade soldier killed in combat. The 56th Stryker Brigade arrived in Iraq last month for a nine-month assignment.

“Staff Sgt. Baum was a dedicated, professional soldier who loved his family and his country,” said Col. Marc Ferraro, 56th Stryker Brigade commander. “We send out our heartfelt condolences to his family. He will be deeply missed.”

Baum was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and promoted to staff sergeant.

    CONTACT:  Lt. Col. Chris Cleaver
              (717) 861-8468

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs