Willy Simke

Willy Simke was an Obersturmführer (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.

In 1943 Simke was a platoon commander in the 5th Company, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment at Uljaniki. His platoon was being held in reserve, when they were called upon to deal with an attack by 20 Russian T-34 tanks, which has broken through the Das Reich line.

Simke launched an immediate counterattack with his platoon and destroyed 17 of the Russian tanks. For his action on this day he was promoted to Hauptscharführer (Master Sergeant) and awarded the Knight's Cross.

Willy Simke survived the war and died in West Germany on the 28 August 1964.