 He was educated at the First Cadet Corps ("Первый кадетский корпус"), which he finished in October, 1806 in the rank of a warrant officer and enrolled into the 8th Yeger regiment ("8-й Егерский полк"), but later in December transferred into the Akhtyrka hussar regiment ("Ахтырский гусарский полк").Otto's regiment participated in the 1807 War against Napoleon Bonaparte, and the officer was awarded with an Order of St. Stanislaus of 3rd degree.During Napoleon's invasion of Russia Otto von Pfeilitzer-Franck participated at the Battle of Borodino for which he was awarded with an Order of St. Vladimir of 4th degree, also at the Battle of Brienne and Battle of La Rothiere for which he received an Order of St. Anna of 2nd degree.