Andreas Karaczay de Vályeszáka or Andreas Karaiczay de Wallje Szaka or András Karacsaj de Válje-Szaka (Croatian: Andrija Karadžić; Serbian: Андрија Караџић; 30 November 1744 – 22 March 1808) served in the Austrian army beginning in the Seven Years' War. In 1788–90, he fought in the Austro-Turkish War at Khotyn, Valea Seacă, Focșani, and Rymnik. In 1789 he was promoted to general officer, appointed Proprietor (Inhaber) of an Austrian cavalry regiment, and became a friend to the famous Russian General Alexander Suvorov. He fought in the French Revolutionary Wars until 1795 when he retired because of "war fatigue". Suvorov recalled him to action in 1799 when he fought at the Trebbia, Alessandria, and Novi. He led the Austrians at Second Novi. After being badly wounded at Stockach in 1800, he retired from his military offices in 1801.
Early career
Karaczay was born to a noble family on 30 November 1744 in Hrvatska Kostajnica in Croatia. In 1758 during the Seven Years' War, he joined the Banat Grenz infantry Regiment as a cadet at the age of 15. With his father Peter von Karaczay's help, he was assigned to a Freikorps in Hungary in 1775. At this time he became acquainted with Field Marshal Franz Moritz von Lacy. Through this connection, Nikolaus I, Prince Esterházy recommended him to join the Hungarian Noble Guard. During this period he met Empress Maria Theresa several times. After three years Karaczay was promoted to lieutenant in the Duke Albert Carabinier Regiment Nr. 5. Next, he was assigned as Rittmeister (captain) to the Darmstadt Dragoon Regiment Nr. 19 serving in Galicia. While inspecting the troops, Emperor Joseph II was so impressed that he promoted Karaczay to major. Karaczay married Rosalia Freiin von Wimmersberg auf Peterwitz.
Ottoman War
Karaczay proved his mettle during the Austro-Turkish War, earning fame and distinction. He participated in the 1788 Siege of Khotyn. He was promoted to oberst (colonel) in 1788. On 19 April 1789, he led two squadrons each of the Kaiser Chevau-léger Nr. 1, Barco Hussar Nr. 35, and Levenehr Dragoon Nr. 19 Regiments, six companies of the Kaunitz Infantry Regiment Nr. 20, and four field pieces in action at Valea Seacă (Vályeszáka). That day, his troops defeated 5,000 Ottoman cavalry, capturing several flags and a number of enemy soldiers. He fought at the Battle of Focșani on 1 August 1789 and the Battle of Rymnik (Martinestje) on 22 September.
Suvorov found the Austrian commander Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld to be mild-mannered and slow, but saw a fellow enthusiast in Karaczay. Suvorov and Karaczay worked together to win at Focșani and the two men became such close friends that when Karaczay's third son was born on the same day as Focșani, he was named Alexander. On 13 August 1789, Karaczay was promoted General-major and appointed inhaber or proprietor of the Chevau-léger Regiment Nr. 18 (later named Dragoon Regiment Nr. 4). He received the Knight's Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa on 21 December 1789 for courage and intelligence on the battlefield. Empress Catherine the Great awarded Karaczay the Order of Saint Anna which he had to refuse because Austrians were not allowed to accept foreign medals at that time. However, the empress appointed his new-born son an honorary lieutenant colonel in the Fanagoria Grenadier Regiment. In December 1790 he received the Commander's Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa.
French Revolutionary Wars
After the Austro-Turkish War, Karaczay lived in Lviv (Lemberg). However, when the War of the First Coalition broke out, he transferred to the Army of the Rhine. He fought at Schwegenheim and later at Schifferstadt on 23 May 1794 alongside allied Prussian and Bavarian troops. He also led his soldiers in skirmishes at Weingarten (near Speyer) on 1 August, at Epstein on 29 August, and at Frankenthal on 3 October, and Ilochspier on 20 November 1794. He fought at Kaiserslautern, most likely in the Raid on Kaiserslautern on 17–20 September 1794 which was led by Wilhelm von Wartensleben and included the Vecsey Hussars Nr. 34, Waldeck Dragoons Nr. 6, Diedrich and Weidenfeld Grenadier Battalions, De Vins Infantry Regiment Nr. 37, Serbian Freikorps, and Gyulai Freikorps.