Sorko, Franz August

Date of birth:: August 9th, 1891 (Klagenfurt/Carintia, Austria)
Date of death:: July 19th, 1941 (Machnovka/Ukrain, Soviet Union)
Nationality:: German

Biography

Promotions:
?: Oberst.

Career:
?: Kommandeur, II. Bataillon, Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 137.

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)
Unit:: Kommandeur, II. Bataillon, Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 137, 2. Gebirgs-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: June 20th, 1940

The following press article describes why Sorko received his Knight's Cross...

"Oberstleutnant Sorko has already shown himself to be an extremely brave officer during the Polish campaign, being awarded the Iron Cross First and Second Class for his outstanding achievements. During the Norway campaign Gruppe Sorko acted as the spearhead of the Division from the beginning of operations in Steinkjer until the end near Helemoboten. It is thanks to the tireless drive, energy and sound judgement of Oberstleutnant Sorko that his group was able to complete the 700+ km march while overcoming not just terrain difficulties, but also the resistance of several of the best English and Norwegian battalions in fierce battles. The appearance of Gruppe Sorko at Helemoboten undoubtedly contributed to forcing the enemy forces fighting at Narvik to withdraw."