History

The SA (Sturmabteilung, storm detachment) was established in 1921 as a paramilitary protection squad of the NSDAP. The members of the SA were tasked with protecting party leaders at political rallies and meetings from the paramilitary forces of the opposing political factions. The SA was first utilised on November 4, 1921 at a meeting held in Munich’s "Hofbräuhaus" beer hall. The organisation was banned after the failed putsch in 1923 and was reactivated in February 1925.

The Mountain-SA Edelweiss Sleeve Insignia was authorized by SA Chief of Staff Viktor Lutze in December of 1942. It was worn on the lower left sleeve by members of mountain units and qualified members of SA-Wehrmannschaften (SA homeland militias).