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The SS-Begleitkommando des Führers (literally: "SS Escort Command of the Führer") was a bodyguard team of SS soldiers tasked with protecting the life of Adolf Hitler during the time of Nazi Germany. Formed on 29 February 1932, the original unit contained eight men, Franz Schädle (1906 - 1945), Bruno Gesche (1905 - ?), Erich Kempka (1910 - 1975), August Körber (1905 - ?), Adolf Dirr (1907 - ?), Kurt Gildisch (1899 - ?), Willy Herzberger (1895 - ?), and Bodo Gelzenleuchter (1905 - ?), all of whom were personally approved by Hitler. It was replaced by the Führerschutzkommando in 1934.

Commanders

• Bodo Gelzeleuchter (29 February 1932 - )
• SS Sturmhauptführer Willy Herzberger ( - 11 April 1933)
• SS Sturmführer Kurt Gildisch (11 April 1933 - 15 June 1934)
• SS Obersturmbannführer Bruno Gesche (15 June 1934 - January 1945)
• SS Untersturmführer Franz Schädle (January, 1945 - 1 May 1945)

Bibliography

• Peter Hoffmann Hitler's Personal Security: Protecting the Führer 1921-1945
• Axis History SS-Begleitkommando des Führers