Ulrich Graf
Shortly after the First World War, Graf became a member of the German Workers' Party (DAP). Later, the DAP was renamed the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP; Nazi Party) and taken over by Adolf Hitler. Founded in 1920, the "Sturmabteilung" (SA) was the first of many paramilitary protection squads that worked to protect Nazi officials. These storm troopers, outfitted in brown uniforms, were initially charged with the duty of keeping order at Nazi Party meetings. They soon expanded their role to include disruption of rival political party's functions. Graf was an early member of the SA. In 1921, he became member number 2882 of the Nazi Party.
Alter Kämpfer
Alter Kämpfer (German for "Old Fighter"; plural: "Alte Kämpfer") is a term referring to the earliest members of the Nazi Party, i.e. those who joined it before the "Reichstag" elections of September 1930, with many belonging to the party as early as its first foundation in 1919–1923. Those who joined the party after the electoral breakthrough of September 1930 were known to the "Alte Kämpfer" as Septemberlings while those who joined the party after the assumption of power on January 30, 1933 were known as the "Märzveilchen". 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 this purpose:The "Alte Kämpfer" also enjoyed more tangible benefits of their status. Once the Nazis took power, they received preference in employment and promotion. 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.