Franz Kleffner was an Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel) in the Waffen SS during World War II who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. This was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II. Franz Kleffner was born on the 2 July 1907 at Altena. He was one of the early members of the SS joining in December 1930 (SS service number 7.939).