- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)
- Unit:
- Zugführer, 2. Kompanie, schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502, Heer
- 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.