Francois and his Flak-Batterie were attached to the Panzergrenadier-Brigade von Werthern during its battles in August-September 1944. Its commander, Oberstleutnant von Werthern, was wounded during the start of its operations and thus Hauptmann Francois took over the Brigade’s leadership. He would receive the Knight’s Cross for his successful leadership of the Brigade during its brief period of operations.