Allegiance Nazi Germany Years of service 1939–44 Name Helmut Kampfe | Service/branch Waffen SS Rank Sturmbannfuhrer | |
Born 31 July 1909
Jena, German Empire ( 1909-07-31 ) Died 10 June 1944(1944-06-10) (aged 34)
France Unit 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich | ||
Ruins of Oradour-sur-Glane (Ruïnes van Oradour-sur-Glane )
Helmut Kampfe (1909-1944) was a Sturmbannfuhrer (Major), in the Waffen SS during World War II. He was awarded 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. He was also one of only 631 men to be awarded the rare Close Combat Clasp in Gold.
Kampfe, the commander of the III. Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment Der Fuhrer, 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich, was captured by the French Resistance on 9 June 1944 by a group headed by Jean Canou. Canou then placed him in the custody of Georges Guingouin. The following day Kampfe was executed on the orders of Guingouin or killed during an attempt to escape.
When it was clear that Kampfe had been kidnapped, the Germans sent out forces to try to locate him. Among these was a unit under the command of Adolf Diekmann, I. Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment, which on 10 June committed the Oradour massacre.