Franz Bake German tank officer during World War II, Major General Date of Birth: 28.02.1898 Country: Germany

1. Franz Bäke: A German Panzer Ace of World War II
2. Early Life and Military Career
3. World War II
4. Eastern Front and Knight's Cross
5. Oak Leaves and Swords
6. Western Front and Surrender
7. Later Life and Legacy

Franz Bäke: A German Panzer Ace of World War II

Franz Bäke was a German tank officer who served during World War II. He was known for his bravery and leadership, and was awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords for his actions on the Eastern Front.

Early Life and Military Career

Bäke was born on February 28, 1898, in Schwarzenfels, Germany. He volunteered for military service in 1915 and served as an infantryman on the Western Front during World War I. He was wounded in action and later transferred to the artillery.

After the war, Bäke studied medicine and opened a private dental practice. In 1937, he rejoined the military as a reserve officer. He served in the Panzertruppen (tank forces) and participated in the occupation of Czechoslovakia.

World War II

Bäke fought in the invasion of Poland in 1939 and received a clasp to his Iron Cross. He later commanded a tank company in the invasion of France, where he was wounded twice. Bäke's company was part of the 6th Panzer Division, which advanced towards Leningrad.

In 1941, Bäke was promoted to major and given command of the 2nd Battalion of the 11th Panzer Regiment. He played a key role in the maintenance and repair of tanks, earning him the nickname "the dentist" among his comrades.

Eastern Front and Knight's Cross

In 1942, Bäke's division fought in the Battle of Stalingrad. After the division's retreat, he was awarded the Knight's Cross in January 1943. In the Battle of Kursk, Bäke personally destroyed three Soviet tanks using magnetic mines, earning him three cuff bands.

Oak Leaves and Swords

In August 1943, Bäke was awarded Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross for his actions at Kursk. In February 1944, he led a battle group that destroyed 267 enemy armored vehicles. For this, his Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves was upgraded with Swords, making him one of the most highly decorated soldiers in the German army.

Western Front and Surrender

Bäke commanded the 106th Panzer Brigade "Feldherrnhalle" on the Western Front from 1944 onwards. In March 1945, he took command of the 13th Panzer Division. He was promoted to major general in April 1945 and commanded a mixed formation known as Panzer Division "Feldherrnhalle-2" in the final days of the war.

Bäke was captured by American forces in May 1945. He was released from captivity in 1950 and returned to Germany, where he resumed his dental practice.

Later Life and Legacy

Franz Bäke died in a car accident in 1978 at the age of 80. He was a highly respected soldier who had been wounded 13 times and received the Gold Wound Badge. The Bundeswehr (German Federal Armed Forces) provided an honor guard for his funeral.