Heinz Linge

Heinz Linge (23 March 1913 – 9 March 1980) was a German SS officer who served as a valet for Adolf Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany. After ten years of service in that post, Linge was present in the Führerbunker when Hitler committed suicide on 30 April 1945. Afterwards, Linge spent ten years in Soviet captivity and was an important eyewitness regarding Hitler's death.

Linge was born in Bremen, Germany. He was employed as a bricklayer prior to joining the SS in 1933. He served in the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler (LSSAH), Hitler's bodyguard. In 1934, when he was part of No. 1 Guard to Hitler's residence on the Obersalzberg near Berchtesgaden, Linge was selected to serve at the Reich Chancellery. By 1945, he had obtained the rank of SS-Sturmbannführer (major).

On 24 January 1935, Linge was chosen to be a valet for Hitler. He was one of three valets at that time. In September 1939, Linge replaced Karl Wilhelm Krause as chief valet for Hitler. Linge worked as a valet in the Reich Chancellery in Berlin, at Hitler's residence near Berchtesgaden, and at Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg.