Franz Kohlauf

Franz Kohlauf (3 December 1910 – 26 April 1944) was a Fregattenkapitän with the Kriegsmarine during World War II and a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. He was killed in action when Torpedoboot T-29 sank.

He commanded the 4. Torpedo Boat Flotilla, consisting of large torpedo boats 1936 Class (Elbing), among others in a battle on 22/23 October 1943, in which the Germans sunk the British cruiser HMS Charybdis and escort destroyer HMS Limbourne, without losses. After this action, he was awarded the Knight's Cross.

Awards

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (6 December 1939)
 * 1st Class (20 April 1940)
 * Wehrmacht Long Service Award (1 April 1938)
 * Spanish Cross in Bronze with Swords (6 June 1939)
 * Destroyer War Badge (30 December 1940)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 29 October 1943 as Korvettenkapitän and chief of the 4. Torpedobootflottille