Date of birth:

March 18th, 1913 (Osterode/Eastprussia, Germany)

Date of death:

July 1st, 1971 (Holzminden/Lowersaxony, Germany)

Nationality:

German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Promotions:
1932: Soldat;
October 1st, 1934: Unteroffizier;
November 1935: Feldwebel;
November 1st, 1939: Oberfeldwebel;
1939: Offiziers-Anwärter;
June 1st, 1940: Leutnant;
August 1st, 1941: Oberleutnant;
April 1st, 1943: Hauptmann;
February 1st, 1944: Major;
1945: Oberstleutnant.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 4th, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

1941

Silver version.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

May 16th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 162, 61. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

March 12th, 1944

In early 1944 Major Karczewski and the remnants of Grenadier-Regiment 162 were deployed as a rearguard to the Krassnoje Sselo—Kingisepp road after the Soviets had reached the Kipen—Jamburg road. In the battle which followed Karczewski inspired his handful of troops to their greatest possible resistance by his personal example. He also helped to free open the German retreat route at Gurlewo, enabling the hitherto cut-off supply and combat troops to escape. For his actions in this time he would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

April 20th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur, Grenadier-Regiment 176, 61. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

March 5th, 1945

On the 13.01.1945 Major Karczewski and his Regiment repelled all enemy attacks east of Gumbinnen along both sides of the Reichstraße 1. They continued to achieve local defensive victories in this area and along the Angerapp river. In this time I. Bataillon was temporarily encircled, but broke out successfully after Karczewski gave the order. Near the end of the same month Karczewski was badly wounded. For his defensive achievements in East Prussia up until that time he was decorated with the Oakleaves.

767th Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• Photo 1: Stephane Kayser
• - FELLGIEBEL, W.P., Elite of theThird Reich, Helion & Company Limited, Solihull, 2003.
  - THOMAS, FRANZ & WEGMANN, GÜNTER, Die Eichenlaubträger 1940-1945, Biblio-Verlag, 1997.