The SS Division Reichsführer-SS was to be formed in Hungary from Simon 's old regiment and the Sturmbrigade Reichsführer SS . In 1944 the division was moved to Italy , and fought , never complete , at Anzio and later in the Arno sector , where it gained a reputation for stability although it suffered heavy losses during the battles in the Apennines . The division also fought against partisans behind the lines , perpetrating several major atrocities against civilians ( Sant ' Anna di Stazzema massacre and Marzabotto massacre ) , for which Simon was awarded the Oakleaves for the Knight 's Cross and the German Cross in Gold , in October 1944
Marzabotto massacre
Marzabotto massacre
Max Simon