Alter Kämpfer

As the party's "Old Guard" and of proven dedication to the movement during its so-called "Period of Struggle" (Kampfzeit) in 1925–1933, they were distinguished from the flood of new members who joined in 1933 and later for opportunistic reasons.

A number of special awards/insignia were instituted for that purpose: The Alte Kämpfer also enjoyed more tangible benefits of their status.

Many were given prestigious jobs in the opera houses, government buildings and universities of the Third Reich.

Many achieved high status, such as Christian Weber, a former bouncer who was made an SS general.

Nazi propaganda glorified them as a small handful of fighters against almost impossible odds.