page_title: Halim Malkoč
section_title: Villefranche-de-Rouergue
hierarchical_section_title: Halim Malkoč / Villefranche-de-Rouergue
context_page_description: Halim Malkoč was a Bosniak Imam and SS Obersturmführer in the Waffen-SS division Handschar, and the first Muslim awarded the German Iron Cross during World War II. He received the medal for his involvement in the suppression of the Villefranche-de-Rouergue mutiny of 1943.
context_section_description: During training, Communist "agents provocateurs" in the Division staged a mutiny on 17 September near Villefranche-de-Rouergue in France in which several SS officers were executed. A German called Dr. Schweiger turned to Malkoč for help.  The Imam eventually persuading the men to surrender and disarm. A report stated, "To complete this task the doctor sought the assistance of Imam Malkoč, who proved to be quite helpful, demanding complete obedience from the troops."
  In recognition of his services he was awarded the Iron Cross, second Class, in October 1943. A year later he was appointed Imam for the entire Division after the first appointee, Imam Abdulah Muhasilović, deserted on 21 October 1944.
caption: Soldiers of the Handschar, 1943
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