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.