He was promoted to Leutnant (the equivalent of Second Lieutenant) in 1869 and on the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, served with his regiment as a part of the 2nd Guards Infantry Division in the Second Army commanded by Prince Friedrich Karl of Prussia. Pelldram served with distinction throughout the war, including in such engagements as Mars-la-Tour, Gravelotte, Sedan, the Siege of Paris, Orleans and Le Mans. For his service he received the Iron Cross Second Class in 1870.