Wilhelm Franken

Wilhelm Franken (11 September 1914 in Bielefeld-Schildesche – 13 January 1945 in Kiel) was a German U-boat commander in World War II and 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. Franken was killed in a fire on board the Daresalam.

Awards

 * Wehrmacht Long Service Award 4th Class (4 April 1939)
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (14 April 1940)
 * 1st Class (28 January 1942)
 * Sudetenland Medal (31 May 1940)
 * U-boat War Badge (1939) (15 October 1941)
 * High Seas Fleet Badge (28 January 1942)
 * Croce di Guerra with Swords (30 March 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 30 April 1943 as Kapitänleutnant and commander of U-565
 * Medaglia di bronzo al Valore Militare (29 May 1943)