Franz Schmitz

Franz Schmitz (12 October 1918 – 10 June 1985) was a highly decorated German Sanitäts-Unteroffizier in the Wehrmacht during World War II and an Oberstabsfeldwebel in the Bundeswehr. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. He is remembered especially for his medical care and rescue of wounded German soldiers (roughly 2,000), along with his care for wounded Russian soldiers isolated on the battlefield. Franz Schmitz joined the Bundeswehr in 1956 and served until 1962.

Awards

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class (20 September 1941)
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * in Gold (11 March 1945)
 * Infantry Assault Badge (20 September 1941)
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze
 * in Silver
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 13 September 1943 as Sanitäts-Unteroffizier and group leader in the 3. / Grenadier-Regiment 279