Franz Hofbauer

Franz Hofbauer (25 March 1921 – 11 February 1944) was a highly decorated Leutnant der Reserve in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. He was also awarded the very rare Close Combat Clasp in Gold one of only 631 awards.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * Wound Badge
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * Crimea Shield
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze (Winter 1943)
 * in Silver (1 January 1944)
 * in Gold (28 June 1944)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 20 January 1944 as Feldwebel and platoon leader in the 3./Divisions-Füslier-Bataillon 72