Franz Machon

Franz Machen
Born18 March 1918
Kattowitz, Poland
Died1968 (aged 50)
Thanet, Kent, England
AllegianceNazi Germany
Service / branch Kriegsmarine
Years of service1939–1945
RankMatrosengefreiter
Battles / warsBattle of the Atlantic
AwardsNone

Matrosengefreiter Franciszek Machoń (18 March 1918 – 1968), known as Franz Machon and later as Frank J. Machon, was the only survivor of the sunken German submarine U-512, and one of few World War II U-boat survivors. His story strikes remarkable similarities with Klaus Bargsten of U-521. After his capture, Machon agreed to help the United States Navy observe behaviour characteristics of fellow German prisoners of war.