Nisha Rathode (Editor)

Willy Simke

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Allegiance
  
Nazi Germany

Battles/wars
  
World War II

Battles and wars
  
World War II

Rank
  
Obersturmfuhrer

Years of service
  
1939–45

Name
  
Willy Simke

Service/branch
  
Waffen-SS


Awards
  
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Iron Cross 1st Class Iron Cross 2nd Class

Died
  
August 20, 1964, Ennigerloh, Germany

Unit
  
2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

Willy Simke (26 January 1914 – 20 August 1964) was an Obersturmfuhrer (First Lieutenant), in the Waffen SS during World War II who 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.

Willy Simke was born in Belgern on the river Elbe on the 26 January 1914. He volunteered to join the SS and was part of the SS-VT, which became the Das Reich Division. He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd class in February 1942 and the 1st class award in May 1942.

For his actions in 1943 he was promoted to Hauptscharfuhrer (Master Sergeant) and awarded the Knight's Cross. Willy Simke survived the war and died in West Germany on 28 August 1964.

References

Willy Simke Wikipedia