as early as autumn 1941 latvian auxiliary police units, temporarily attached to the wehrmacht, were first used in front line duties. this occasional employment continued until the 2nd latvian brigade was formed from six latvian battalions, four of which had combat experience. at the end of april 1943 a three battalion formation fighting under name of latvian legion was withdrawn from the front line and renamed 1st volunteer regiment of the ss (latvian), with a change of wehrmacht ranks to those of waffen-ss. voldemārs veiss was given command of this regiment, which was a part of the 2nd latvian brigade, and received a rank of legion-obersturmbannführer. in january 1944, veiss became the first latvian to receive the knight's cross. on 17 april 1944, veiss died from wounds he had suffered seven days prior.