Franz Scherzer was an Obersturmführer (First Lieutenant) in the Waffen SS during World War II. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, which was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II. Franz Scherzer was awarded the Knight's Cross in March 1945, while in command of the I.Battalion, 10th SS Panzer Regiment, 10th SS Panzer Division Frundsberg, While serving on the Eastern Front.