[HITLER'S BODYGUARD]: [HERZBERGER WILLY] (1895-19??) German ...

[HITLER'S BODYGUARD]: [HERZBERGER WILLY] (1895-19??) German SS-Sturmbannfuhrer, the second chief of the so-called Fuhrer Accompanying Command, Adolf Hitler's closer personal bodyguard. D.S. by four SS officers individually, two pages, Munich, 12th September - 10th October 1932, in German. The document comprises four individually signed typed statements, the first by SS-Sturmbannfuhrer Simon Fuss, dated at Munich, 12th September 1932, and regards the proposed promotion of Herzberger, 'I propose the promotion of SS-Sturmfuhrer and adjutant Willi Herzberger to a SS-Sturmhauptfuhrer. Since the time of our cooperation I have known Herzberger to be trustworthy and loyal…..I think he is very worthy for a promotion to a Sturmhauptfuhrer'. To the verso are three further signed typed statements, the first by SS-Standartenfuhrer Heinrich Hoflich (1895-1983), dated at Munich, 14th September 1932, supporting Fuss's recommendation, in part, 'Herzberger is trustworthy, he managed his duties as an adjutant of Sturmbann II/1 always to my satisfaction', the second by SS-Stabsfuhrer Max Humps (1904-1962), dated 16th September 1932, also supporting the recommendation, and the third by SS-Oberfuhrer Richard Hildebrandt (1897-1952), dated at Munich, 10th October 1932, and stating, in full, 'We warmly support the promotion of SS-Sturmfuhrer Willi Herzberger, II/1., to a Sturmhauptfuhrer. H. optimally proved himself in the post of a deputy Standard-adjutant'. Each of the signatures are in bold indelible pencils of various colours and the document has various official stamps, most featuring the Nazi eagle and swastika, and other annotations in indelible pencil. A document of interesting content, effectively recommending the appointment of Herzberger as Hitler's chief bodyguard. Two file holes to the edge, torn and with minor areas of paper loss, otherwise VG

 

In February 1932 Willy Herzberger was selected by Heinrich Himmler as one of eight members of the so-called Fuhrer Accompanying Command, which was formed for the first time at that time and from thereon constantly stayed near Hitler and formed the closest ring of his protection. In October 1932, following the recommendations cited in the present document, Herzberger was appointed as the successor to Bodo Gelzenleuchter as chief of the escort and thus chief bodyguard to Hitler. He held this position until April 1933, when he entered the newly founded Secret State Police office as a candidate for a career as a detective.