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Frantz, Peter Ulrich

Date of birth:
July 24th, 1917 (Leipzig-Schleußig/Saxony, Germany)
Date of death:
March 11th, 2001 (Cologne/North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Promotions:
June 1st, 1943: Major im Generalstab (RDA: -73-).

Career:
August 21st, 1939: Ordonnanz-Offizier, Stab, Artillerie-Regiment 74;
November 6th, 1939: Zugführer, III. Abteilung, Artillerie-Lehr-Regiment;
April 10th, 1940: Zugführer, Infanterie-Regiment Grossdeutschland;
October 15th, 1940: Ordonnanz-Offizier, Stab, Infanterie-Regiment Grossdeutschland;
January 18th, 1941: Zugführer, III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment Grossdeutschland;
April 11th, 1942: Batteriechef, Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung Grossdeutschland;
December 1st, 1942: Kommandeur, Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung Grossdeutschland;
January 9th, 1944: Führerreserve OKH;
February 14th, 1944: Kriegsakademie;
August 25th, 1944: Quartiermeister, Stab, XXXXI. Panzerkorps.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:
Zugführer, III. Abteilung, Artillerie-Regiment 74, 2. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
November 8th, 1939
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:
Zugführer, 16. Kompanie, IV. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment Grossdeutschland, Heer
Awarded on:
July 3rd, 1940
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:
Zugführer, III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment Grossdeutschland, Heer
Awarded on:
October 21st, 1941

472nd Award
Anerkennungsurkunde des Oberbefehlshabers des Heeres
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
Unit:
Zugführer, III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment Grossdeutschland, Heer
Awarded on:
January 19th, 1942

Award 59/35
According to an evaluationreport from March 31st, 1945 the awarding took place on Januari 29th, 1942.
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
Unit:
Chef, 16. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment Grossdeutschland, Heer
Awarded on:
June 4th, 1942
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
In the time period 12.-14.12.1941 Oberleutnant Frantz and his Sturmgeschütz-Kompanie played a vital role in defeating the Soviet attack against Strukowo. In total his unit destroyed 15 tanks, 1 dual-purpose anti-tank/air gun (7.62 cm) and 1 further anti-tank gun. By this action he and his Sturmgeschütze prevented the enemy from thrusting through the woods and cutting off the retreat route of German forces located both on the forest edge and further south of the Tula road.

1016th Heer Award
According to an evaluationreport from March 31st, 1945, the awarding took place on June 12th, 1942.
By the time of the awarding he was already Batteriechef, Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung Grossdeutschland.

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Hauptmann (Captain)
Unit:
Kommandeur, Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung Grossdeutschland, Infanterie-Division Grossdeutschland, Heer
Awarded on:
April 14th, 1943
On the 14.03.1943 Hauptmann Frantz and his Sturmgeschütze were assigned to support the capture of Stanowoje, east of the village of Borrisowka. During the capture of the village the Abteilung destroyed 15 T-34s for the loss of 2 of their own Sturmgeschütze. However it was expected the Soviets would try to retake the village, and aerial reconnaissance reported soon afterwards that 120 tanks and 80 trucks with mounted infantry were approaching.

Hauptmann Frantz personally directed his Sturmgeschütze into position, and ordered them to hold their fire until he gave permission. Hauptmann Frantz allowed the first enemy spearhead (consisting of 18 tanks) to approach to close range before commencing his ambush. All Soviet tanks were destroyed in a blaze of guns. Hauptmann Frantz then gave his Sturmgeschütze orders to attack. Emerging from cover, they took the large Soviet tank formation in the flank and inflicted further heavy losses upon it. The Soviet attack collapsed, and at the end of the battle the Germans were able to accurately count the number of tanks they had destroyed during their enemy’s failed counterattack. This total was 43, all of which were credited to Frantz and his Sturmgeschütze.

Hauptmann Frantz would receive the Oakleaves to his Knight’s Cross for this outstanding victory.

228th Award
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major im Generalstab (Major to the General Staff)
Unit:
Kommandeur, Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung Grossdeutschland, Panzergrenadier-Division Grossdeutschland, Heer
Awarded on:
October 8th, 1943
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major im Generalstab (Major to the General Staff)
Unit:
Quartiermeister, Stab, XXXXI. Panzerkorps, Heer
Awarded on:
August 26th, 1944
Ärmelband Grossdeutschland

Sources