Karnowski, Lawrence Stephen

Date of birth:: 1916 (Lawrence/Kansas, United States)
Nationality:: American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Ens. Lawrence S. Karnowski,(CEC) USNR, Lawrence, Kans.: As officer-in- charge of a naval combat demolition unit during the invasion of Normandy, he succeeded in clearing a 50-yard gap through enemy beach obstacles under heavy artillery and rifle fire. He exposed himself to enemy fire to rescue a wounded member of his crew who was in danger of drowning in the rising tide. Time after time he returned alone to place charges to widen the gap after the rest of his crew had been killed or wounded.

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Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Ensign
Unit:: Naval Combat Demolition Unit 45(NCDU-45), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: January 1945
Awarded for:: Operation Neptune

"For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving as Officer in Charge of Naval Combat Demolition Unit FORTY-FIVE (NCDU-45), during the amphibious assault on the Normandy Coast of France on 6 June 1944. Ensign Karnowski, although under heavy artillery and rifle fire succeeded in clearing a fifty yard gap through the enemy beach obstacles. He exposed himself to enemy fire to rescue a wounded member of his crew in danger of drowning in the rising tide and time after time returned alone to place charges to widen the gap when the rest of his crew had been killed or wounded. When tidal conditions made further demolition impossible, he tended wounded along the beach and assisted in the evacuation of casualties in the absence of sufficient medical personnel. The conduct of Ensign Karnowski throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 334