Franz Kieslich (17 March 1913 – 31 August 2012) was a highly decorated Major in the Luftwaffe during World War II and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves during World War II. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. During his career, Franz Kieslich was credited with flying 1078 missions, sinking 10 ships totaling 23,000 BRT, a destroyer and a submarine.