He was awarded the Knights Cross in December 1943.
Awarded the Knights Cross, he returned to combat until the war's end.
For this, and despite a lack of success, he was awarded the Knights Cross (see citation).
Franke was the only U-boat commander awarded the Knights Cross in 1943.
His decorations include the Knights Cross and towards the end of the war was recommended for Oak Leaves.
For these actions he was promoted to Obersturmbannführer and awarded the Knights Cross on 10 March 1943.
As a Hauptmann with 40 victories, he was awarded the Knights Cross on 20 March 1945.
The medals were abolished in 1876 and the Knights Cross was divided into two classes.
On 11 March 1944 he was awarded the Swords to his Knights Cross for 66 confirmed victories.
He is also one of only a handful of privates to have received the Knights Cross.
