Friedrich-Wilhelm Karl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Friedrich Wilhelm Karl
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|---|---|
| Allegiance | Nazi Germany |
| Service/ |
 , Waffen SS |
| Years of service | 1934–1945 |
| Rank | Standartenführer |
| Unit | SS-VT 11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Iron Cross I Class Iron Cross II Class German Cross in Gold |
Friedrich Wilhelm Karl (born September 15, 1911 – died August 21, 1970) was a German soldier during World War II. He reached the rank of Standartenführer, which is like a colonel in the Waffen SS. He was recognized for his bravery and received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, a very important military award.
Early Life and Training
Friedrich Wilhelm Karl was born on September 15, 1911, in Frankfurt on Oder, Germany. He joined the SS, a special organization, very early on. He also became a member of the Nazi Party, which was the ruling political party in Germany at the time.
In 1934, he was chosen to become an officer. He went to a special officer school called the SS-Junkerschule in Bad Tölz. This school trained future military leaders.
Serving in World War II
During World War II, Karl fought in many important battles. In 1940, he earned the Iron Cross medal, both the 1st and 2nd class, during the Battle of France. This medal was given for bravery in combat.
He was part of a military group called the 13th Company within the SS Infantry Regiment Germania. This group used small artillery guns, which are large guns used to fire shells over long distances.
Later, the SS Regiment Germania became part of a new, larger military group. This new group was called the 11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland. A Division is a very large military unit. Karl was put in charge of the 11th SS Panzer Artillery Regiment. A Panzer Artillery Regiment uses tanks and artillery together.
He continued to show great courage. In August 1944, he received the German Cross in Gold. Just a few months later, in December 1944, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. This was one of the highest awards for bravery in the German military.
After the War
After World War II ended in 1945, Friedrich Wilhelm Karl was taken as a prisoner. He was held by the Russians for ten years. He was released in 1955.
Friedrich Wilhelm Karl passed away on August 21, 1970, in Dortmund, Germany.
