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Franek, Friedrich 'Fritz' Dr. (Generalleutnant)

Date of birth:
July 16th, 1891 (Vienna/Lower Austria, Austria)
Date of death:
April 8th, 1976 (Vienna/Lower Austria, Austria)
Nationality:
Austrian (1938-1945, Reichsgau)

Biography

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Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Awarded on:
1934
Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1939
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 2er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 98, 1. Gebirgs-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
November 1st, 1939
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberst (Colonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur, Infanterie-Regiment 405, 121. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
November 4th, 1941
The following wartime excerpt describes why Franek would receive the Knight’s Cross…

“During the attack across the Ishora river Oberst Dr. Franek demonstrated great personal bravery and command skill. By midday his Regiment had created a bridgehead near Annalowa, one which would be decisive for the breakthrough of the Ishora front and consequently for the closure of the ring around Leningrad. Despite strong enemy infantry and artillery fire Oberst Dr. Franek went forward to the river just after the start of the attack, and here he was wounded two times in the head by rifle rounds. (12.09.1941).”
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1942
Medaille
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Generalleutnant (Major-general)
Unit:
Kommandeur, 44. Reichsgrenadier-Division Hoch- und Deutschmeister, Heer
Awarded on:
February 8th, 1944
Mentioning:
"Northwest in the tough multi-day defensive battles at Cassino, the 44. Reichs-Grenadierdivision "Hoch- und Deutschmeister" under the leadership of Generalleutnant Franek with a subordinate battalion of the Grenadier Regiment (mot) 8 and a battle group under the leadership of Oberst Baade particularly distinguished themselves."
Wehrmachtbericht

Sources

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