Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Awarded on:

1934

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

1939

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

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).”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

1942

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."