Case Blue
On 28 June, Germany launched its strategic summer offensive in southern Russia named Case Blue. In support of this operation, II. "Gruppe" of JG 77 was ordered to relocate and moved to the area near Kursk. The "Gruppe" arrived at the airfield near Kastornoye, approximately west of Voronezh, on 5 July. There, the "Gruppe" supported the northern flank of Army Group South advance towards the Don. Fighting over the combat area between Voronezh and Yelets on 12 July, Badum claimed three LaGG-3 fighters shot down.