Helmut Kämpfe

German Sturmbannführerin the Waffen SS

Helmut Kämpfe (31 July 1909 – 10 June 1944) was a highly decorated Waffen SS Sturmbannführer who was abducted and executed by the French Resistance.

In retribution, the Germans carried out the Oradour massacre in occupied France on 10 June 1944.In total 643 men, women and children were killed in Oradour-sur-Glane by troops from the 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich.

The SS commander who ordered the massacre said the death of Kämpfe was the reason for the killings.Kämpfe, was a commander in 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich." He was a highly decorated soldier, having received both the Close Combat Clasp in Gold and the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.