Franz Schädle

SS-Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel) Franz Schädle (19 November 1906 – 1 May 1945) was the commander of Adolf Hitler's personal bodyguard (the SS-Begleitkommando des Führers), from 5 January 1945 until his death on 1 May 1945, aged 38.

Biography
He was born in Westerheim, Baden-Württemberg and after trade school he worked as a construction technician. He joined the SS on 1 February 1930. On 1 March 1932, Schädle became one of eight founding members of Hitler's personal bodyguard. He also served on the staff of Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler from 1 May 1934. Schädle guarded Hitler at his headquarters and accompanied him on all his trips.

On 5 January 1945, Schädle was appointed commander of the bodyguard unit. On 28 April 1945 he was wounded in the leg by shrapnel. According to Otto Günsche, Schädle was present at Hitler's cremation in the garden of the Reich Chancellery on 30 April 1945. Schädle later committed suicide by shooting himself in the mouth with a pistol, rather than attempt the break out from the Reich Chancellery to escape from the advancing Red Army.

Film portrayal
Franz Schädle's suicide is depicted in a brief scene in the 2004 German film Downfall (Der Untergang). Schädle is portrayed by Igor Bubenchikov.