The original cadre of the later Waffen-SS was formed in March 1933 as the "SS Headquarters Guard Berlin." From the first 117 volunteers emerged more than fifty senior SS officers, all of whom received high decorations for bravery in the 38 Waffen-SS divisions that were formed later. Twenty former members of this company alone won the Knight's Cross. In peacetime the 1st Company of this elite force took part in the most important functions of the Third Reich as an honor formation. This is an impressive joint effort by surviving veterans. 460 b/w photographs
