easy rider in the mud

Otto Carius was presented with the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross by Heinrich Himmler, deputising for Hitler, shortly following its award on 27 July 1944.  Carius spent some time in Himmler's company, and they seem to have got on well - in spite of the fact that Carius (typically) had some things to say that Himmler cannot have found particularly comfortable.  Included among these was refusal of an offer of transfer (on promotion) to the Waffen-SS, which Carius explained as resulting from his conservative outlook, and loyalty to his Heer unit (502 Sch. Pz. Batt.).  Best regards, JR.