BACKGROUND: The origins of the Hitler Jugend, (Hitler Youth), may be traced back to March 1922 with the formation of the Jugendbund der NSDAP, Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, (Youth League of the National Socialist German Worker's Party), under control of the SA, Sturmabteilung, (Storm/Assault Detachment). In April 1924 the Jugendbund der NSDAP was renamed Grossdeutsche Jugendbewegung (Greater German Youth Movement), and on July 4TH 1926 the Grossdeutsche Jugendbewegung was officially renamed Hitler Jugend Bund der deutschen Arbeiterjugend, (Hitler Youth League of German Worker Youth). Originally the HJ was commanded by Kurt Gruber until Hitler appointed Baldur von Schirach as Reichsjugendführer, (National Youth Leader), in June 1933. Von Schirach remained in command of the HJ until August 1940 when he was replaced with Artur Axmann. When applying for service with the HJ, personnel were issued with a preliminary membership document which was exchanged for an "Ausweis", (Identification Card), when they were accepted for service. Originally, membership was voluntary until regulations of December, 1939, made membership compulsory for all males between ten and eighteen years old.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Mid-weight, tan cardstock identification card with black printed, typed, handwritten and ink stamped information. The front cover features black printed Gothic script "Mitglieds-Ausweis für das Deutsche Jungvolk in der Hitler-Jugend" , (Member Identification Card for the German Youth in the Hitler Youth), and the HJ diamond emblem. The membership number is printed to the upper left corner. To the interior is a black and white image along with information on the recipient.  The card also has the facsimile signature of Reichsjugendführer, Baldur von Schirach.