He performed his mandatory military service in the Imperial German Army between 1908 and 1910, serving with the 4th Guards Grenadier Regiment.
[2] When World War I broke out in 1914, Kampe was recalled to service; he joined the 5th Guards Regiment.
He first flew with Flieger-Abteilung (Flier Detachment) 35, before transferring to a fighter squadron, Jagdstaffel 8 for a short spell.
[2] Beginning 12 August 1917, Kampe would shoot down eight opposing airplanes—seven fighters and an Airco DH.4 light bomber.
Willi Kampe had been honored with both classes of the Iron Cross by the time of his death.