Otto Carius – schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502

Original Postwar Signature of Otto Carius. Oberleutnant Otto Carius (27.05.1922 † 24.01.2015) earned the Ritterkreuz on May 4, 1944 as Leutnant and Chef of the 2. Kompanie/ schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502 (Tigers) and the Eichenlaub on July 27, 1944 as Leutnant and Chef of the 2. Kompanie/ schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502 (Tigers). He also earned the Panzerkampfabzeichen IV. Stufe (Einsatzahl “75”) with 2. / schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 512 on April 21, 1945. Postcardsize.

Knight’s Cross awarded for: 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.

Oakleaves awarded for: 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. (Source: Traces of War)