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Carius, Otto

Date of birth:
May 27th, 1922 (Zweibrücken/Palatinate, Germany)
Date of death:
January 24th, 2015
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

In service from April 1st 1940.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Feldwebel (Staff Sergeant)
Unit:
10. Kompanie, III. Abteilung, Panzer-Regiment 21, 20. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
September 15th, 1942
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:
2. Kompanie, Schwere Panzerabteilung 502, Heer
Awarded on:
November 23rd, 1943
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:
Zugführer 2. Kompanie, Schwere Panzerabteilung 502, Heer
Awarded on:
May 4th, 1944
During the time period 17.-22.03.1944 Leutnant Carius led 3 Tiger tanks in a series of engagements with Soviet armour near the village of Lembitu (west of Narva). Within 3 days he and his 3 Tigers destroyed 28 tanks, 4 assault guns and 17 artillery pieces. He would be subsequently awarded the Knight’s Cross for the local successes he achieved in this capacity.

3066th Award.
Sublitted on April 26th 1944.
Preliminary document and decoration on May 10th 1944 to Heeresgruppe Nord.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:
2. Kompanie, Schwere Panzerabteilung 502, Heer
Awarded on:
July 15th, 1944
Panzerkampfabzeichen II Stufe
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)
Unit:
Führer 2. / schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502 / II.Armee-Korps / 16.Armee / Heeresgruppe Nord
Awarded on:
July 27th, 1944
On the 22.07.1944 Leutnant Carius led a bold attack into the village of Malinava (northeast of Dünaburg) with only himself and his wingman Albert Kerscher. He and his two Tigers charged in Malinava and engaged the force of 17 Soviet tanks positioned there. Of these Carius destroyed 10, Kerscher 4 and a nearby force of Sturmgeschütze 3. Among this tally of destroyed armour were several IS-2 heavy tanks. By executing this bold operation, accomplished with no friendly losses, Leutnant Carius prevented the continuation of the Soviet breakthrough towards Dünaburg and therefore enabled a friendly defensive front to be built. He would be awarded the Oakleaves in recognition of this feat.

535st Award.
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:
2. Kompanie, Schwere Panzerabteilung 502, Heer
Awarded on:
September 1st, 1944
Panzerkampfabzeichen III Stufe
Awarded for 50 days of battle.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:
2. Kompanie, Schwere Panzerabteilung 502, Heer
Awarded on:
September 11th, 1944
Awarded in accordance with his on July 8th 1941, December 9th 1942, December 2nd 1943, April 20th 1944 and July 24th 1944 received wounds.
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)
Unit:
2. / schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 512
Awarded on:
April 21st, 1945
Panzerkampfabzeichen IV Stufe
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Unteroffizier (Junior Officer)
Unit:
1. Kompanie, I. Abteilung, Panzer-Regiment 21, 20. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
August 2nd, 1941

Awarded for a wound inflicted on the 8th of July 1941.
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Schwarz
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:
2. Kompanie, Schwere Panzerabteilung 502, Heer
Awarded on:
August 20th, 1942
Medaille
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:
2. Kompanie, Schwere Panzerabteilung 502, Heer
Awarded on:
December 15th, 1943

Awarded for 3 wounds inflicted on the 8th of july 1941, 10th of December 1942 and the 2nd of December 1943.
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Silber

Sources