The 1st SS Panzer Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler", short LSSAH, (German: 1. SS-Panzerdivision "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler")[1] began as Adolf Hitler's personal bodyguard, responsible for guarding the Führer's person, offices, and residences. Initially the size of a regiment, the LSSAH eventually grew into an elite division-sized unit during World War II.