Allegiance Nazi Germany Battles/wars World War II Died March 16, 1945, Hungary Service/branch Waffen-SS | Years of service 1930–45 Name Franz Kleffner Battles and wars World War II Rank Obersturmbannfuhrer | |
Awards Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
Iron Cross 1st Class
Iron Cross 2nd Class
Eastern Front Medal 1941/42
Demyansk Shield Unit 3rd SS Panzer Division Totenkopf, 10th SS Panzer Division Frundsberg | ||
Franz Kleffner (2 July 1907 – 16 March 1945) was an Obersturmbannfuhrer (Lieutenant Colonel) in the Waffen SS during World War II who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. This was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.
Franz Kleffner was born on the 2 July 1907 at Altena. He was one of the early members of the SS joining in December 1930 (SS service number 7.939).
He was promoted to an officer rank of Untersturmfuhrer (Second Lieutenant) in April 1935 and Hauptsturmfuhrer (Captain) by the start of World War II, when he was given command of the 13th Company, SS Totenkopf Infantry Regiment in the newly formed SS Totenkopf Division.
He was awarded the Knight's Cross, while in command of the SS Motorcycle Battalion, SS Totenkopf in February 1942, while fighting on the Eastern Front.
In early February, the Soviets captured Bjakowo, cutting off the Totenkopf, from the main German force, II. Armeekorps, encircled around Demyansk. Kleffner took over the command at Bjakowo and on February 19, he led the survivors in an assault which resulted in a breakthrough to the main force, an action for which he was awarded the Knight's Cross on 21 February.
He was killed on 16 March 1945 during the Soviet offensive north of Lake Velence in Hungary when the armoured personnel carrier he was travelling in was hit by a Soviet shell.