 At Philadelphia Navy Yard, Karch completed Basic Training and was sent to San Diego as a battery officer in the 10th Marine Regiment.In 1941, while Karch was stationed in Iceland, America was brought into World War II by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.During the war, Karch rose through the ranks to lieutenant colonel in a series of promotions in March 1942, May 1942, May 1943 and May 1945.