The following year he died in combat as an SS-Obersturmführer (first lieutenant) in a low flying aircraft attack in Dreux, France. According to Lehmann and Carroll, "Hitler had liked Hans Junge and was so upset by his death that he broke the news to Traudl Junge personally."[1] Traudl stated that Hitler asked her to stay on as his secretary. He promised to "look after" Traudl now that she was a widow.[6]