Franz Schmitz (12 October 1918 – 10 June 1985) was a highly decorated German Sanitäts-Unteroffizier in the Wehrmacht during World War II and an Oberstabsfeldwebel in the Bundeswehr. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. He is remembered especially for his medical care and rescue of wounded German soldiers (roughly 2,000), along with his care for wounded Russian soldiers isolated on the battlefield. Franz Schmitz joined the Bundeswehr in 1956 and served until 1962.