 On 2 September 1929, Bormann married 19-year-old Gerda Buch (23 October 1909 – 23 March 1946), whose father, Major Walter Buch, served as a chairman of the "Untersuchung und Schlichtungs-Ausschuss" (USCHLA; Investigation and Settlement Committee), which was responsible for settling disputes within the party.Hitler was a frequent visitor to the Buch house, and it was here that Bormann met him.Hess and Hitler served as witnesses at the wedding.